{"id":1416270,"date":"2025-12-01T12:08:03","date_gmt":"2025-12-01T12:08:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&p=1416270"},"modified":"2025-12-16T12:30:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T12:30:21","slug":"tactical-analysis-liverpool-cody-gakpo-most-productive","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-liverpool-cody-gakpo-most-productive\/","title":{"rendered":"Liverpool analysis: Cody Gakpo’s reliability key for Arne Slot’s transitional Reds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Few would have picked Cody Gakpo as Liverpool<\/a>\u2019s most-productive attacker at the start of the season. But here we are, now in December, and the Dutchman leads the way for goals and assists.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, few people would\u2019ve pictured Gakpo being in Liverpool\u2019s starting XI this season after their summer of spending. The Reds spent a combined \u00a3304million on Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, breaking the British transfer record for the former.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With all three new attackers favouring the left side of the attack in one way or another, Gakpo was expected to have more of a squad role — even after Luis Diaz’s departure. Bayern Munich had reportedly been interested in Gakpo, before switching their attention to the Colombian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

There were still doubts over Gakpo\u2019s role in the squad heading into the new campaign. So it was a bit of a surprise to everyone when the 26-year-old put pen to paper on a new, long-term deal at Anfield. It was described as a reward for his good form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gakpo was directly involved in 14 goals in the league last season, scoring 10 and providing four assists to help Liverpool to the title. Although he started as a depth option off the bench, Gakpo eventually made the left-wing role his own, with Diaz deployed as a false nine. Only Diaz (14) and Mo Salah (29) scored more Premier League goals for Liverpool last season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Gakpo has carried that form into the new campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fans’ frustrations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gakpo has been a bit of a divisive figure amongst Liverpool fans. Some have been frustrated with his predictable approach in the final third. He\u2019ll forever pick up possession, cut inside and look to get a shot off from a low value area. He ignores Milos Kerkez, whether the Hungary full-back is overlapping or underlapping. And he\u2019ll simply turn a blind eye to teammates in better positions centrally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If he was a little more efficient with this approach it might not be as much of an issue. But he\u2019s wasteful. He\u2019s taken 32 shots this season and hit the target on just six occasions. Gakpo has also missed some sitters in big games. He headed wide in the loss to Manchester United<\/a> and failed to guide an effort into the net in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City<\/a>. These moments stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The frustration is understandable. Gakpo\u2019s doing these things when Liverpool aren\u2019t playing well. He\u2019s doing this when Liverpool are losing. It\u2019s easy to look at these moments and think had he done something different, the outcome would\u2019ve been more positive for the Reds.<\/p>\n\n\n

\r\n

BOYLE Sports offer: Bet \u00a310 Get \u00a340 in free bets<\/h2>\r\n

Not signed up to BOYLE Sports<\/a> yet? Here's how to claim one of the best bookmaker welcome offers around...<\/p>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
  1. Sign up to BOYLE Sports using this link<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
  2. Deposit a minimum of \u00a310 (Excluding Skrill\/Moneybookers, Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe or prepaid cards).<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
  3. Place a minimum bet of \u00a310 or more at odds of EVS (2.0) or greater.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
  4. Receive your \u00a340 in free bets<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

    <\/p>\r\n

    18+ New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Min Deposit \u00a310. Min stake \u00a310. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out\/Free Bets won\u2019t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. T&Cs Apply<\/em><\/p>\r\n

    \n\n\n\n

    Gakpo shows up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    But Gakpo has arguably been the one constant in the attack for Slot this season. He has the most goal involvements for the Reds with seven. He\u2019s one of only five players to have over 1,000 minutes in the Premier League this term, backing up the idea that he\u2019s one of Slot\u2019s trusted group alongside the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and, perhaps surprisingly, Ibrahima Konate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Gakpo has also only missed two big chances. For context, Salah has missed six and Isak has missed five. So, to summarise here, the the Dutchman has the highest Expected Goals average in the team, he\u2019s consistently having a set number of chances and he\u2019s missed fewer big chances than Salah and Isak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Gakpo is stepping up too.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    He\u2019s scored against Bournemouth<\/a>, Chelsea<\/a>, Man Utd and now West Ham United<\/a>. While the shot map shows he\u2019s taking a number of low value efforts from distance, the stats highlight the fact he\u2019s not a bad finisher, with four goals from an xG total of 4.4. It isn\u2019t that much of an underperformance.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    The Dutchman should probably have more assists to his name too. The assist for Isak against West Ham was just his third of the season. That’s despite having an Expected Assists total of 4.2. While his finishing has sometimes let him down, the finishing of others have also let him down as a creator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A lot of fans seem confused as to why Slot persists with his compatriot. The truth is likely simple. He knows what he\u2019s going to get from Gakpo. He\u2019s a consistent goal threat and a reliable creator in what is, right now, a transitional Liverpool team.<\/p>\n\n\n

    Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n