Anfield Index
·27 January 2025
Anfield Index
·27 January 2025
Cody Gakpo is grabbing headlines once again. After a scintillating two-goal and one-assist performance against Ipswich, it’s evident that the Dutch winger has reached new heights. However, it’s not just the numbers that tell the story – it’s the way Gakpo is evolving into Liverpool’s first-choice left-winger under Arne Slot, the Reds’ current manager. Slot’s influence has clearly elevated Gakpo’s game, taking him to a level beyond what we saw last season under Jürgen Klopp.
Gakpo’s game against Ipswich encapsulated his influence. The Dutchman was clinical, completing 23 of 26 passes, showcasing a near-flawless ball retention rate. He won four duels, made three touches in the opposition box, and registered three shots, with two of those hitting the target. The result? Two goals and an assist. Additionally, Gakpo’s defensive contribution can’t go unnoticed as he tallied two tackles.
Photo: IMAGO
It’s this all-around game that demonstrates his transformation under Slot. Not only is Gakpo producing in front of goal, but he’s also actively involved in every phase of the game. His ability to create – shown in the chance he carved out for his teammates – underlines why he’s become undroppable in Liverpool’s new-look system this season.
Liverpool has seen its share of Dutch stars, but Gakpo is setting a new standard. By scoring in six successive home starts in the Premier League, he’s overtaken legends like Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie. This record cements his place as one of the most clinical finishers among his countrymen in England’s top flight.
The consistency he’s displaying is what sets him apart. The Ipswich game wasn’t an isolated performance; it’s part of a bigger picture that shows Gakpo’s form at home is virtually unstoppable. Under Slot’s guidance, he has reached a level of consistency that makes him a reliable source of goals whenever Liverpool step onto the Anfield turf.
Gakpo’s growth is evident when comparing his numbers across seasons. Last season, under Jürgen Klopp, he finished the Premier League campaign with eight goals and five assists across 35 games. Remarkably, he’s already matched that goal tally this season in just 22 appearances, alongside three assists, under Arne Slot’s management. It’s a clear sign that he’s adapting to a more dynamic role, finding himself in better scoring positions and finishing with greater consistency.
Photo: IMAGO
What’s even more striking is that Gakpo has already accumulated 14 goals and five assists in all competitions this season. With half the campaign still to go, hitting the 20-goal mark feels like a foregone conclusion. Such a return is the hallmark of a top-class attacker, capable of delivering week in and week out.
Liverpool’s attacking options are stacked, but Gakpo has become indispensable in their preferred front three. His ability to link up play, create chances, and finish clinically makes him the ideal winger for Slot’s high-octane style. Arne Slot’s influence seems to have further refined Gakpo’s decision-making and off-the-ball movement, elevating him into one of the most dangerous attackers in the league.
At just 24 years old, Gakpo’s potential ceiling remains high. If his current trajectory continues, he’ll soon be considered one of Europe’s elite wide forwards.
Cody Gakpo’s performance against Ipswich wasn’t just a standout display – it was another chapter in what is shaping up to be an exceptional season. With his record-breaking feats, improved goal output, and critical role in Liverpool’s attack under Arne Slot, Gakpo is proving he’s far more than just another talent. He’s a game-changer.
At this rate, Liverpool fans should prepare for even bigger things from the Dutch star and hope this form helps to bring ultimate glory.