Liverpool facing major questions over star’s recent performances

Concerns around Cody Gakpo continue to surface following Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Fulham, with the Anfield Index Media Matters podcast offering a measured but revealing discussion.

Featuring Dave Davis and David Lynch, the analysis balanced Liverpool’s improved result with ongoing concerns about individual form, particularly in attack.

Gakpo form under scrutiny

Despite the positive scoreline, Gakpo’s performance drew a mixed verdict. Lynch admitted, “I didn’t mind his performance”, but quickly added context, “there were a few moments of kind of it just wasn’t going right”.

That inconsistency has become a theme. As Davis pointed out, it “felt like another game where he kind of struggled like we’ve experienced a lot this season”. The issue is not effort, but effectiveness.

Lynch highlighted one key limitation, explaining, “his biggest problem he couldn’t massively get involved to be honest”. For a forward in Liverpool’s system, that lack of influence is difficult to ignore.

Numbers and decision making issues

Beyond the eye test, the statistical picture reinforces the concern. Gakpo’s shot conversion rate has been among the lowest in the league, a point raised during the discussion.

Davis noted that he “often makes the right wrong call or runs into traffic”, capturing the frustration around his decision making in attacking areas. It is not about a lack of opportunities, but rather what happens when they arise.

Lynch offered a more nuanced perspective, suggesting that volume still matters, “it shows that they’re getting a lot of shots, which is obviously quite a good thing”. However, he stopped short of dismissing the issue entirely.

Instead, he framed it as a potential fluctuation, “the ball’s just not gone in, it’s just been one of those seasons for him”. That explanation hints at variance, but does not fully resolve the underlying concerns.

Role in Liverpool system

There are also structural factors at play. Gakpo’s role within Liverpool’s attack has often been fluid, sometimes leading to a lack of clarity in his positioning.

Lynch acknowledged the off ball contribution, stating “he was making some selfless runs” and “he did look to plug gaps, he looked to close down”. These aspects are valued, particularly under Arne Slot, but they do not replace attacking output.

He also recognised the difficulty of the role itself, describing it as “a maybe a little bit of a thankless task at times”. That context matters, especially in a team still searching for consistency.

Bigger questions for Liverpool

The debate around Gakpo extends beyond individual form and into wider squad planning. Lynch admitted, “Gakpo’s a worry for me”, placing him alongside other players whose performances have dipped.

The concern is not just current output, but future expectations. “You need them to play better,” Lynch stressed, particularly given that Gakpo is likely to remain part of the squad moving forward.

This creates a strategic dilemma. Liverpool can recruit to improve the team, but internal improvement is equally essential. As Lynch questioned, “what’s your solution to the fact that Gakpo’s fallen off a cliff”.

Anfield Index view on Gakpo trajectory

The overall tone of the discussion was not dismissive, but cautious. There is still belief that Gakpo can contribute, especially if his finishing normalises and his role becomes clearer.

Lynch expressed that hope directly, “I want him to be an option for Liverpool going forward, I want him to be better”. It is a sentiment that reflects both patience and expectation.

For Liverpool, the challenge is clear. If they are to progress under Slot, players like Cody Gakpo must rediscover form. Otherwise, what looks like a temporary dip risks becoming a longer term concern.