Liverpool Season Review 2023/24: Cody Gakpo | OneFootball

Cody Gakpo’s Season in Review: The Highs and Lows

Headline Numbers

Cody Gakpo’s performance this season for Liverpool has been a mixed bag, showcasing both his real potential and the areas where he needs improvement. Across all competitions, Gakpo played a total of 53 matches, accumulating 3,016 minutes on the pitch.

His contributions included 16 goals and 6 assists, highlighting his offensive capabilities. He primarily played as a centre-forward, a position he occupied in 27 matches, but he also found himself on the wings and even as a central midfielder in a few games. This versatility has been both a strength and a challenge for Gakpo, as it demonstrates his adaptability but also suggests a lack of a definitive role in the squad.

Biggest High

Gakpo’s standout performance this season came in the Premier League against Tottenham, where he truly shone. In a thrilling 4-2 victory, Gakpo played a pivotal role, scoring and providing an assist. This match was a testament to his ability to impact games at the highest level, earning him his highest WhoScored.com rating of the season at 9.95.

Photo: IMAGO

This performance wasn’t an isolated incident; Gakpo’s best form seemed to emerge towards the end of the season, indicating his growing confidence and adaptation to what’s necessary. His influence in crucial matches has not gone unnoticed, and this particular game against Tottenham is likely to be remembered as his headline moment of the season.

Biggest Low

However, the season wasn’t without its lows for Gakpo. His lowest point came in the away match against Luton, where he struggled significantly. With a WhoScored.com rating of just 5.75, this performance highlighted the challenges he faced in finding consistency. The Luton match underscored Gakpo’s difficulty in adapting to different roles within the team. Often utilised in various attacking positions, this constant shift appeared to hinder his ability to build momentum and form. As a result, he was frequently the fifth-choice forward, which undoubtedly affected his confidence and performance levels. At times though he simply didn’t seem up to the physical demands required.

Overall Thoughts

In summary, Cody Gakpo’s season has been a mixed bag filled with both promising displays and evident challenges. His versatility allowed him to feature in different roles, which, while beneficial for the team, seemed to impede his development in a single position. Gakpo’s main focus for the next season under new manager Arne Slot should be to secure a starting role and establish himself in a specific position. Consistency will be key for him, and with a more defined role, he has the potential to become a crucial player for Liverpool. The talent and drive are certainly there, but next season will be about honing these aspects into a more consistent and impactful presence on the field. Otherwise it’ll be the story of another nearly man.