Cody Gakpo
LIV
Right Winger
Left Winger
Wide Forward
May 7, 1999 (27)
Right
6'4"
168 lb
Back on bench Saturday
Gakpo (ankle) is on the bench for Saturday's match against Brentford.
Analysis: Gakpo returns to the squad after missing Liverpool's matches against Manchester City and LASK with an ankle injury. The winger suffered the issue following a heavy challenge while representing the Netherlands, with his recovery largely dependent on pain management. He is now available as a substitute and could make his return if called upon. Bradley Barcola and Rio Ngumoha face additional competition for minutes on the left wing with Gakpo back in contention.
Major doubt for Sunday
Gakpo (ankle) remains doubtful for Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester City after missing Liverpool's training session Thursday, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Analysis: Gakpo's availability for Sunday's clash against Manchester City remains uncertain after he missed Thursday's training session, suggesting he has yet to recover fully from the ankle injury sustained during international duty with the Netherlands. With only a few days remaining before the match, the winger faces a race against time to regain fitness, while manager Andoni Iraola is expected to provide a further update Friday. Liverpool are already dealing with several attacking injuries, including Alexander Isak (thigh), Federico Chiesa (back) and Hugo Ekitike (Achilles). Should Gakpo remain sidelined, Bradley Barcola and Rio Ngumoha could be among the options to cover on the left wing.
Missing Wednesday
Gakpo was left out of Liverpool's squad for Wednesday's Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid with an adductor issue, though he has a chance of being available for Saturday's home fixture against Fulham, according to head coach Andoni Iraola. "[It is] not a proper injury. But we didn't want to risk him, and I think it makes sense he can rest and hope we can recover him. If it's not for the weekend, it's for the next one. But I think even for the weekend he has a chance."
Analysis: Gakpo missed the Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid after completing the Ipswich Town win with issues in both adductors, but Andoni Iraola's comments suggest Liverpool were being cautious rather than dealing with a significant injury. The forward will likely be monitored through his recovery before a decision is made on when he can return to action, with Iraola leaving open the possibility of a weekend return while also acknowledging that the following weekend could be more realistic if he is not ready. His absence is significant in form terms given he has one goal and three assists in the early weeks of the season.
Scores in opener
Gakpo scored one goal to go with six shots (one on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and three chances created in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.
Analysis: Gakpo has been linked with a move away from Liverpool throughout the summer, but he showed just how valuable he can be during Sunday's opener. He scored and was the man of the match during the two-all draw, creating constant threat off the left wing. Rumors continue to swirl, but Gakpo has plenty of upside as long as he stays in the starting XI.
Scores in World Cup elimination
Gakpo recorded one goal on one shot to go along with a cross in Monday's 1-1 (3-4) penalty shootout loss to Morocco.
Analysis: Gakpo would find the back of the net for the Dutch as they captured an early lead Monday before their eventual loss, scoring in the 72nd minute. He would be subbed off before the penalty shootout as he struggled before cramps, likely needed for the shootout after two misses and a save. He ends his World Cup with a decent three goals on six shots and one assist on three chances created, now only one off of tying the all-time Dutch record for World Cup goals with his six.
Sends in four crosses in Tunisia clash
Gakpo had two shots (zero on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 3-1 win versus Tunisia.
Analysis: Gakpo took a step back from his previous stellar showing, but he was still a big part of the offense and put up decent stats in the final third, although some of his teammates were more impactful in this one. He has posted multiple shots, amassing nine (five on target), and crosses, racking up 11 (three accurate), and created one chance in all three appearances. He had a brace and assisted once against Sweden.
Brilliant in rout
Gakpo scored two goals and assisted once from five shots and one chance created in Saturday's 5-1 victory versus Sweden.
Analysis: Gakpo was incredible throughout Saturday's win, scoring twice and adding an assist. The winger was at his absolute best in the total domination of Sweden. The winger is in red-hot form and is poised to build off this as Netherlands progress further in the World Cup. Gakpo seems to be back in form after a disappointing club campaign.
Threat without end product
Gakpo registered two shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Japan.
Analysis: Gakpo operated as the left-sided forward in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Japan in Dallas, registering two shots (one on target) two crosses and one interception across his 85 minutes before being replaced by Brian Brobbey. The Liverpool forward was a consistent threat in the left channel throughout but was ultimately frustrated by a Japanese defensive block that limited his side to 10 total attempts, with his best moment coming when his first-half shot forced the goalkeeper into a sharp save before the match opened up in the second half.
Likely starter at World Cup
Gakpo enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the Netherlands' most reliable attacking outlets, having earned his place in Ronald Koeman's squad and is expected to start on the left wing for the Oranje this summer.
Analysis: Gakpo endured a somewhat inconsistent season with Liverpool, contributing nine goals and six assists alongside 76 key passes across 51 appearances including 40 starts in all competitions. While the numbers reflect a campaign that never quite reached the heights expected of him, his ability to influence matches through volume of involvement, direct running and delivery from wide areas remains a significant asset. At international level, Gakpo is one of the first names on the teamsheet for the Netherlands, bringing a combination of technical quality, physical presence and delivery that gives manager Ronald Koeman's side a consistent threat down the left flank. His ability to cut inside and shoot, combine with runners in behind and deliver dangerous set pieces makes him one of the more complete wide options at the tournament. The Netherlands have genuine ambitions of going deep in a World Cup, and Gakpo's form and fitness will be one of the more closely watched factors as the tournament progresses.
Goal in loss
Gakpo scored one goal to go with five shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 3-2 defeat versus Manchester United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 85th minute.
Analysis: Gakpo added a goal during the second half of Sunday's clash, trying to lead the comeback but failing to do so. The attacker got involved throughout his time on the pitch, and took a team-high five shots despite the loss. Despite his five shots only two were on goal, though he did finish one of those. Gakpo has been inconsistent at best throughout a disappointing season.
Assists opener
Gakpo assisted once to go with five shots (three on goal) and four chances created in Sunday's 2-1 victory versus Everton.
Analysis: Gakpo set up Mohamed Salah for the opening goal during Sunday's clash with a beautiful pass that split the line and put Salah in alone. Gakpo was excellent during Sunday's win, one of his best performances in a season full of awful showings. The winger created four chances and came inches away from a goal of his own after a nice move from Florian Wirtz. Gakpo's future is uncertain, but he seems set for a substantial role during the Premier League run-in.
Assists as strikers
Gakpo assisted once to go with four shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 win over Fulham.
Analysis: Gakpo moved from the left flank to start as a central striker during Saturday's clash and nicely controlled a cross to set up Mohamed Salah for the second goal. Gakpo has had a poor season in any role, but maybe a switch to striker in the closing stages could help, though he remains behind Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak in the pecking order. Gakpo has struggled to find a role for himself this campaign after some awful form.
Season struggles
Gakpo continues to endure a difficult season despite making 33 starts in 41 appearances.
Analysis: Gakpo started both of the Netherland's friendlies in preparation for the 2026 World Cup but failed to make an impact, reflecting his season at club level in the Premier League. The forward has drawn criticism for his performances and attacking output despite recording eight goals and four assists in 41 appearances this season. The Dutchman has also lost his role on corner kicks, which he held earlier in the campaign, with Mohamed Salah and especially Dominik Szoboszlai now taking over those duties.
Nets against West Ham
Gakpo scored one goal to go with four shots (one on goal) and three chances created in Saturday's 5-2 victory over West Ham United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 55th minute.
Analysis: Gakpo got in on the goalscoring fun during Saturday's clash, adding to the rout in the second half. The winger has been inconsistent throughout the campaign, but he's a good finisher when he has time and space with the ball. Gakpo still seems to struggle in top matches where he can't open up an angle for a curling shot.
Two shots in win
Gakpo recorded two shots (zero on goal), eight crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Wednesday's 1-0 win versus Sunderland.
Analysis: Gakpo took a pair of shots, had both blocked and had a frustrating day otherwise. He sent in eight crosses, but none of them were particularly threatening. The winger struggled to make an impact throughout most of the match and was disappointing for the most part. It's par for the course for what has been a tough season for Gakpo.
Scores late goal off bench
Gakpo scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Marseille.
Analysis: Gakpo came on and finished the match in stoppage time, converting after Liverpool carried the ball into the box and Ryan Gravenberch supplied the final pass. His goal turned a comfortable night into a statement scoreline at the Velodrome. Beyond the finish, he helped Liverpool manage the final minutes through secure possession and smart positioning, while also creating one chance during his 11 minutes' shift. Gakpo's goal was his first after three games across all competitions without finding the back of the net. The forward will hope to score again against the Brentford on Saturday.
Plenty of volume in draw
Gakpo generated six shots (four on goal), nine crosses (one accurate) and five corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Burnley.
Analysis: Gakpo produced plenty of volume throughout Saturday's draw, but none of it was especially threatening. The striker has been called upon to find another gear and has really struggled to fill the shoes of an injured Alexander Isak. Gakpo has been one of the most disappointing pieces of a hugely disappointing Liverpool side this season.
Nets for draw
Gakpo scored one goal to go with five shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Fulham. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 95th minute.
Analysis: Gakpo got the start up top due to injuries to Liverpool's other strikers. He had a quiet match for the most part before netting a late goal that seemed set as the winner before a heart-breaking equalizer. Gakpo hasn't been at his best throughout the season and will have to compete for the starting job on the left wing even though he's healthy once more. If Liverpool can get their attack going in the back half of the season, Gakpo would have plenty of upside.
On bench Saturday
Gakpo (strain) is on the bench for Saturday's game against Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Gakpo was seen with the Liverpool squad when the team arrived at Anfield, and the Dutchman will have a spot on the bench after missing the team's last three games due to a muscular problem. Gakpo should see steady minutes in the attacking line now that he's fit again, but he'll have to wait for his chance in this one.
Could return against Wolves
Gakpo (strain) will be a late call for Saturday's clash against Wolves, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "Cody is a bit similar to Conor [50-50]."
Analysis: Gakpo missed the last three games due to a muscular injury but could be back for Saturday's clash against Wolves since it will depend on his sensations after the final training session on Friday. Gakpo has been an undisputed starter for Liverpool this season and if he had to be fit for the game, he will play a decent role with Alexander Isak (ankle) sidelined for months.
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