Revealed: The ‘Underrated’ Liverpool Star That People Aren’t Talking About Enough | OneFootball

Cody Gakpo: The Silent Assassin in Liverpool’s Squad

In a squad brimming with attacking brilliance, Cody Gakpo has emerged as one of Liverpool’s most crucial yet underrated players. While Luis Díaz dazzles with flair and audacity, Gakpo has quietly but effectively proven his value in a week that showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stages. From scoring vital goals to showing tactical discipline, Gakpo’s contributions are those of a player who is indispensable to Liverpool’s ambitions this season.

Rising to the Occasion in a Demanding Week

Reflecting on a hectic week for Liverpool, Gakpo shared his thoughts with Liverpoolfc.com:

“It always is tricky after the internationals but we got the big win there and then Madrid and City, two very big games in the Champions League and the league and I felt everybody felt how important that was so yeah, very happy.”

Indeed, it was a challenging period for the Reds. Coming off the bench in the Champions League clash against Real Madrid, Gakpo made an instant impact by finding the back of the net. Days later, against Manchester City, he repeated the feat, scoring the opener in a match that demanded intensity and clinical execution. His ability to rise to these occasions underlines his value not just as a squad player but as a game-changer.

Photo: IMAGO

Consistency in Numbers: A Key Squad Player

This season, Gakpo’s numbers speak volumes about his growing influence. Across all competitions, he has made 20 appearances, scoring 8 goals and providing 3 assists in just 989 minutes. These figures reflect a player who is not just effective but remarkably efficient, averaging a goal contribution every 90 minutes. Whether starting or coming off the bench, Gakpo consistently pushes Liverpool’s attacking standards, ensuring competition for places remains fierce.

While Luis Díaz remains Liverpool’s primary weapon on the left wing, Gakpo is far more than just a backup. His versatility, work rate, and ability to step up when it matters most make him a vital cog in Arne Slot’s system. Díaz may grab the headlines, but Gakpo’s understated brilliance is what keeps Liverpool’s machine running smoothly.

Impact Beyond Goals: A Team Player Through and Through

Gakpo’s contributions go beyond his goals and assists. His tactical intelligence and willingness to adapt make him an invaluable asset for Liverpool. Commenting on Liverpool’s performances, he noted:

“I think we started off very aggressive [and] very well. Maybe we could score more but in the end we did good, so yeah, very happy with the first half. I think second half they played a little better, they were also in some moments a little bit more dominant, but we defended well as a team and then at the end we got the penalty for the second one and then you know the game was over. But we did a good job.”

Photo: IMAGO

His words capture his understanding of the team’s collective effort, reinforcing his role as a dependable squad player who contributes far more than just individual brilliance.

A Vital Piece of Liverpool’s Puzzle

Liverpool’s season will hinge on moments of magic, but also on consistency and depth. Gakpo embodies the latter, ensuring Slot has reliable options even in the face of injuries or squad rotations. As the season progresses, his ability to step in and deliver, as seen in the past week, will prove invaluable. In a team filled with stars, Gakpo may not always shine the brightest, but his light is impossible to ignore. Whether backing up Luis Díaz or leading from the left himself, Cody Gakpo is the king of Liverpool’s supporting cast – and every successful team needs one.