Cody Gakpo: A Matter of Perspective
Two goals and probably should have had even more. In the world of football, where the spotlight often shines brightest on the starters, Cody Gakpo’s journey at Liverpool presents a fascinating narrative, one that deftly navigates the delicate balance between expectation and performance. His season, dissected through various lenses, reveals a player who simultaneously exceeds and falls short of expectations, contingent entirely on one’s viewpoint.
Versatility and Impact: Beyond the Starting XI
Gakpo’s contributions this season, with 13 goals and five assists across all competitions, are noteworthy, especially when positioned as a fifth-choice forward behind luminaries such as Nunez, Salah, Jota, and Diaz. This framing casts Gakpo not just as a competent backup but as a formidable asset outshining his predecessors. The likes of Origi, Minamino, and Shaqiri, while valuable in their own rights, never reached such a tally in a single season, underscoring Gakpo’s exceptional impact in his role. His adaptability across the front line — from the midfield to either wing and through the centre — further embellishes his resume, suggesting an imminent leap to a 20+ goal/assist season.
Comparative Analysis: A Statistical Lens
A closer inspection through the prism of statistics lends credence to the argument of Gakpo’s effectiveness. Within the Premier League, Europa League, EFL Cup, and FA Cup, Gakpo has amassed a total of 13 goals and 5 assists in 41 appearances, a testament to his prowess and consistency. This performance is particularly impressive when considering his deployment across various positions, a strategic flexibility that not only challenges the player but often dilutes individual statistics due to the lack of positional consistency. Seven starts as a central midfield option certa8nky haven’t helped him.
Evaluating Expectations: Starter vs. Backup
The dichotomy in evaluating Gakpo’s performance hinges on expectations. If viewed through the lens of a backup, his achievements this season are exemplary, surpassing those of his predecessors and marking him as a critical asset. However, when the expectation shifts towards Gakpo filling a starter’s shoes, the narrative complicates. While his stats are commendable, the shadows cast by Liverpool’s leading attackers—Salah and Nunez in particular—pose a high bar, one that Gakpo has yet to consistently meet. It comes down to how you want to view the Dutch forward and maybe he’ll never meet those expectations. Jurgen Klopp knows his value though.
