Dutch international Cody Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in the winter of 2023 after competing with Manchester United.
He has scored 23 goals and provided nine assists in 79 games, not only on the left wing, which is his speciality, but also at centre-forward and in midfield.
At EURO 2024, he was selected for the Dutch national team and started every game. In his familiar position on the left wing, he went on a rampage, scoring three goals and assisting one. He was involved in a total of five goals, although one of them was an own goal, and led the attack.
Ryan Babel, who played for both Liverpool and the Dutch national team during his playing days, mentioned the 25-year-old attacker under the guidance of new coach Arne Slot.
He said he would become an even more important player under his countryman’s leadership.
“I think it could be a fresh start for him under new management and maybe it’s an advantage that the new coach is Dutch,”
“But I think everyone can recognise Cody Gakpo’s talent, he’s still very young.”
“I believe now after this time already, I’m sure he understands now what has been asked from him and I’m sure he’s now on his holiday preparing mentally for a great season,”
“I’m sure he wants to be more important and I’m sure he has more to give.”
The Redmen TV
In addition to playing at Anfield, his performances for the Dutch national team show that his proper position is still left wing. He tends to hold the ball up too much and often loses it at centre-forward, where he is surrounded.
He can only make the most of his position on the wing, where he is given space and can confront defenders in his own rhythm, but how will new coach Slott use him to bring out his hidden potential?