This dynamic Klopp star is beginning to demonstrate his worth at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s final farewell is only a few days away, and Liverpool is in a great position to carry on his legacy and compete for the most prestigious titles in the next years.
A new system has been put in place, and Feyenoord manager Arne Slot will soon be unveiled as Anfield’s next head coach, having been chosen from a pool of candidates by the unerring Michael Edwards.
There’s lots of promise and work to be done. Liverpool will be eternally grateful for Klopp’s remarkable stint on Merseyside. In essence, he transformed a decaying Anfield into a magnificent centrepiece of triumph, winning both the Premier League and the Champions League.
But Liverpool is a squad in transition, and the summer transfer activity must now aim to close the gap on Arsenal and Manchester City while also placing the club in a strong position to compete in the Champions League next season.
Much has been said recently about Liverpool’s attackers, with Mohamed Salah out of contract in 13 months and Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez linked with moves to Barcelona.
Diogo Jota isn’t going anywhere: the Portuguese has the best goal-per-minute rate (114) of any Liverpool player who has appeared more than five times this season.
And Cody Gakpo has had his naysayers since joining from PSV Eindhoven for £35 million in January 2023, but he’s hit a hot streak at the right time, underlining his worth ahead of Slot’s arrival.
Cody Gakpo’s Season in Numbers
Gakpo’s stock rose dramatically following a remarkable performance for the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he scored three goals in the group stage before losing on penalties to eventual winners Argentina in the final 16. Fabrizio Romano praised him as “something special” after his world-trotting exploits.
Manchester United were the favourites to recruit the powerful forward, but Liverpool used subterranean stealth to sign Gakpo, six months before the famous Roberto Firmino left Anfield at the conclusion of his contract.
Gakpo arrived at Merseyside during a difficult moment, with Liverpool in the midst of a dramatic collapse, but he still managed to deliver seven goals and three assists in 17 starts in the English Premier League.
Gakpo has played 52 games in all competitions this season, scoring 16 goals and providing seven assists to help Liverpool win the Carabao Cup and resurrect their season. Only Salah and Nunez have outscored him this season.
He has been chastised for his performances throughout the season, but there has been plenty to be impressed by, with the Dutchman becoming noticeably more powerful since December.
Gakpo’s gains in front of goal have been attributed to his hard work and unwavering mentality, but Liverpool fans can be confident that the underlying statistics have always reflected his high level of skill.
Indeed, according to FBref, Gakpo ranks among the top 18% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for assists over the last year, the top 8% for shot-creating actions, the top 16% for pass completion, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 16% for progressive carries, the top 8% for successful take-ons, and the top 6% for tackles per 90 minutes.
While the 6’1″ star has recently struck the eye with his sharp finishing ability, it is his diverse approach to football that has been the true nucleus of his growth in recent months, as he has maintained his skill set and is now reaping the benefits.
Gakpo’s compatriot Slot has enjoyed several trophy-laden years at Feyenoord, but the actual reason Edwards and co sought to employ him is his structured style, purposeful press, and inborn interpersonal characteristics, which make him the ideal candidate to succeed Klopp.
Gakpo provides a dynamic and diverse set of talents, and with Slot on his way to Anfield, there’s every potential he’ll continue to thrive after resuming his form at the right time.
Cody Gakpo’s market value by 2024
|
Liverpool: Highest-rated Players |
||
|---|---|---|
| # | Player | Market value |
| 1. | Dominik Szoboszlai | £51m |
| 2. | Alexis Mac Allister | £46m |
| 3. | Mohamed Salah | £45m |
| 3. | Darwin Nunez | £45m |
| 5. | Cody Gakpo | £43m |
| 6. | Trent Alexander-Arnold | £42m |
| 6. | Luis Diaz | £42m |
| Sourced via Football Transfers | ||
While Gakpo hasn’t seen a stratospheric jump in the amount spent to bring him to Liverpool, they are modest fees, as evidenced by Dominik Szoboszlai being the club’s cream of the crop at £51 million.
Still, Gakpo’s £27 million market worth has nearly doubled since his transfer from PSV, highlighting the rise that Slot will undoubtedly be anxious to shape and take to the next level.
Interestingly, Gakpo is more valuable than Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Yes, it is marginally true, but it still gives credit to the Netherlands star’s rise, with Diaz winning Liverpool’s Player of the Month award for April and the club’s vice-captain one of the most influential players in world football – Jamie Carragher remarked that “it’s like having Kevin De Buryne playing at right-back,” when discussing Alexander-Arnold’s ability.
