Gakpo in Top Form as Diaz Works to Reignite his Impact for Liverpool | OneFootball

Gakpo’s Rise and Diaz’s Dip: A Tale of Form and Timing

In football, form ebbs and flows. For Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz, two elite players often vying for the same spot, this season has been a showcase of such dynamics. At one point, Díaz looked untouchable. Now, it is Gakpo’s turn to shine, with his current form firing him to the forefront of Liverpool’s attack.

Both players, on paper, have delivered identical goal contributions this season, yet one looks unstoppable while the other appears to have hit a speed bump. Let’s break down the numbers, the timing, and what it means for their respective roles moving forward.

Gakpo’s Form Is Undeniable

Cody Gakpo has quietly emerged as Liverpool’s key attacking threat in recent weeks. With seven goals in his last ten games, Gakpo has hit a purple patch of form that includes crucial strikes against Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Fulham. He is scoring in high-pressure matches, and the timing of his goals couldn’t be better as Liverpool look to chase domestic and European honours.

The Dutchman’s total output for the season stands at: • 9 goals and 2 assists • 1,145 minutes

Gakpo’s contributions are bolstered by his developing chemistry with Mohamed Salah. The fluid link-up play between the two has often carved open opposition defences, and his ability to get into the box and make that run from back left at the right time is evident.

Diaz’s Early Fire Has Fizzled

This doesn’t mean it can’t come back at all. However, rewind to the start of the season, and Luis Díaz was Liverpool’s talisman. His two-goal performance against Manchester United at Old Trafford was a reminder of his explosive ability. At the time, he was the clear first-choice left winger, with Gakpo waiting patiently for opportunities.

Photo: IMAGO

Fast forward to today, and Díaz’s influence seems to have waned. The Colombian forward hasn’t made a direct goal contribution in the Premier League since an assist against Arsenal in October, a stretch of games that feels uncharacteristic for a player of his calibre.

His numbers, despite identical overall contributions to Gakpo, highlight a lack of recent impact • 9 goals and 2 assists • 1,363 minutes

Diaz has played primarily on the left wing, though he has also operated as a false nine when needed. However, this positional rotation hasn’t worked in his favour recently. Even his standout hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League feels more like an isolated flash than the sustained brilliance he showcased earlier.

Why Diaz Can Bounce Back

Football is full of fine margins, and a slight dip in output can snowball into scrutiny for players like Díaz. However, his work rate remains unquestionable. Despite his struggles in front of goal, Díaz continues to run the hard yards, press aggressively, and create chances.

Moreover, form is temporary. Díaz is too talented to stay quiet for long, and all it takes is one moment – one goal or assist – to reignite the fire. Liverpool fans have seen this before: a dry spell for one star often gives way to a resurgence when least expected.

With Gakpo flying high, Díaz will be desperate to recapture his early-season spark and stake his claim. The competition between the two will only elevate Liverpool’s overall attacking play – a crucial factor as the season heats up.

The Bigger Picture for Liverpool

Cody Gakpo’s rise has been a blessing for Liverpool, but it doesn’t mean Díaz is out of the picture. Their identical goal contributions demonstrate the squad’s depth, and having two high-calibre options in the attack is a manager’s dream.

For now, Gakpo holds the spotlight. His ability to seize the moment when Díaz’s form dipped has been vital, but football narratives can flip in an instant. All eyes will be on Díaz in the coming weeks to see if he can rise to the challenge and reclaim his position as Liverpool’s main man on the left flank.

At its heart, this story is about balance, competition, and timing. Gakpo may be in form, but Díaz remains a class act – and every Liverpool fan will hope he is back to making match-winning contributions sooner rather than later.