Re Diaz going - I heard someone suggest on a podcast recently (Anfield Wrap? Distance Covered?) that alternating with Diaz probably helped Gakpo as he wasn't expected to start every game. Probably something in it.
Great work prepping these insights to inform the debate Andrew! On balance, I'm pro Cody but he's fairly one-dimensional ... a great striker when taking shots from promising locations. You don't get much as an all-around footballer, however. I like him better as a substitute (4th/5th forward). He won't age well past 28yo.
The positives: (1) an exceptional striker of the ball - not surprised by his conversion rate, (2) very "game intelligent" esp for moves like back-post runs, (3) surprisingly good creator - i WAS surprised at your stats ... related, the cut back for Alex on Sunday is especially encouraging, (4) quick to find a yard of space if not fast, (5) a great character / teammate
The negatives: (1) wasteful shooter ... get in the damn DZ Cody!, (2) not helpful in hold-up, link play or progressing via carries, (3) loses the ball too much in final third, (4) poor presser tho willing, (5) not a physical presence or fast. Hard to start him and Mo together as they are mostly passengers.
Thanks Beez. Its a question I struggle with so often do I hear frustration when Gakpo’s mentioned in my household.
My own view is that a lot of Gakpo’s inconsistency comes from our wider instability around him this season — early goals conceded, chaotic game-states, officiating shocks, and disrupted rhythm. He looks far better when Liverpool play in stable patterns. With that in mind, how much of what you describe as Gakpo’s “erratic” output is actually a reflection of that chaos rather than the player?
How about his stats after international duty. Each international break with Netherlands is followed by a run of flatter performances: fewer clean touches, slower pressing, and generally less precision. Fifpro pointed out he's played 71 games in 2024 - the highest of any male player. Given his reliance on rhythm and confidence, do you see this as a meaningful factor in understanding his form patterns?
The numbers still say he’s getting into good positions — his non-penalty xG per 90 is up — but is his involvement in buildups down? From your perspective, are we underrating how his role has shifted under Slot and how that causes the eye test versus actual stats problem?
A theme in your piece is the lack of effective link-up with Kerkez. I’m wondering if this is less about chemistry and more about load: Gakpo is being used as a structural player, dropping in, stabilising transitions, and pressing wide. Is the Gakpo–Kerkez issue tactical rather than technical?
"Fifpro pointed out he's played 71 games in 2024 - the highest of any male player."
Wow, I didn't know that. Loads of good points, thanks. It'll be interesting to investigate post-international break form for players, leave that with me...
I have always been a Gakpo fan but his form this season has disappointed me.
Freed from the pressure of Diaz rotation, I expected him to go up a level this season and be even more productive.
It seems to have had the opposite effect though, and more Cody time has meant less effective Cody, not more effective.
The big caveat this season is of course the team hasn’t looked remotely functional for the most part.
He’s just a bit of a weird profile. I think he’s better than most people think he is, but because he’s so functional and has no flashiness, when he’s bad he looks really bad.
Are you a fan? On the fence? Anti-Gakpo?
The stats say one thing, the eye test another...
Big fan last year, not so much this year, tbh. I too expected him to step up a level this year with Diaz gone but not much sign of it as yet.
Whether that's down to himself or a rather disjointed team structure so far, I suppose we'll find out if the structure improves.
Still, good to see positive outcomes and hopefully that will feed into better individual and team performances from now on.
Re Diaz going - I heard someone suggest on a podcast recently (Anfield Wrap? Distance Covered?) that alternating with Diaz probably helped Gakpo as he wasn't expected to start every game. Probably something in it.
Great work prepping these insights to inform the debate Andrew! On balance, I'm pro Cody but he's fairly one-dimensional ... a great striker when taking shots from promising locations. You don't get much as an all-around footballer, however. I like him better as a substitute (4th/5th forward). He won't age well past 28yo.
The positives: (1) an exceptional striker of the ball - not surprised by his conversion rate, (2) very "game intelligent" esp for moves like back-post runs, (3) surprisingly good creator - i WAS surprised at your stats ... related, the cut back for Alex on Sunday is especially encouraging, (4) quick to find a yard of space if not fast, (5) a great character / teammate
The negatives: (1) wasteful shooter ... get in the damn DZ Cody!, (2) not helpful in hold-up, link play or progressing via carries, (3) loses the ball too much in final third, (4) poor presser tho willing, (5) not a physical presence or fast. Hard to start him and Mo together as they are mostly passengers.
I think your final line perhaps sums it up best. Gakpo can be allowed to be a bit erratic when Salah is on fire but far less so when he's struggling.
Thanks Beez. Its a question I struggle with so often do I hear frustration when Gakpo’s mentioned in my household.
My own view is that a lot of Gakpo’s inconsistency comes from our wider instability around him this season — early goals conceded, chaotic game-states, officiating shocks, and disrupted rhythm. He looks far better when Liverpool play in stable patterns. With that in mind, how much of what you describe as Gakpo’s “erratic” output is actually a reflection of that chaos rather than the player?
How about his stats after international duty. Each international break with Netherlands is followed by a run of flatter performances: fewer clean touches, slower pressing, and generally less precision. Fifpro pointed out he's played 71 games in 2024 - the highest of any male player. Given his reliance on rhythm and confidence, do you see this as a meaningful factor in understanding his form patterns?
The numbers still say he’s getting into good positions — his non-penalty xG per 90 is up — but is his involvement in buildups down? From your perspective, are we underrating how his role has shifted under Slot and how that causes the eye test versus actual stats problem?
A theme in your piece is the lack of effective link-up with Kerkez. I’m wondering if this is less about chemistry and more about load: Gakpo is being used as a structural player, dropping in, stabilising transitions, and pressing wide. Is the Gakpo–Kerkez issue tactical rather than technical?
"Fifpro pointed out he's played 71 games in 2024 - the highest of any male player."
Wow, I didn't know that. Loads of good points, thanks. It'll be interesting to investigate post-international break form for players, leave that with me...
I have always been a Gakpo fan but his form this season has disappointed me.
Freed from the pressure of Diaz rotation, I expected him to go up a level this season and be even more productive.
It seems to have had the opposite effect though, and more Cody time has meant less effective Cody, not more effective.
The big caveat this season is of course the team hasn’t looked remotely functional for the most part.
He’s just a bit of a weird profile. I think he’s better than most people think he is, but because he’s so functional and has no flashiness, when he’s bad he looks really bad.