Cody Gakpo
LIV
LW (RW)
Wide Forward
May 7, 1999 (27)
Right
6'4"
168 lb
LiverpoolLate call against Fulham
Gakpo (groin) will train Friday and is a late call for Saturday's clash against Fulham, according to coach Andoni Iraola. "[With] Cody we will see. He didn't train yesterday. Today, we will try with him and let's see if he's ready for tomorrow or we need to wait for the next one."
Analysis: Gakpo had missed the Champions League win over Atletico Madrid after finishing a previous match with discomfort in both adductors, an issue manager Iraola described as not serious but complicated by the short turnaround between matches. Bradley Barcola or Rio Ngumoha could start on the left wing if Gakpo is ultimately unable to answer the call to face the Cottagers.
Uncertain for Fulham clash
Gakpo (adductor) remains uncertain for Saturday's Premier League clash against Fulham after missing Wednesday's Champions League win over Atletico Madrid, according to coach Andoni Iraola. "I don't know [if he will be back for Fulham]. I hope so, but I don't know. He doesn't have a proper injury, but he finished with niggles in both of the adductors the other day. It's not a big thing, but the problem is we play here again in two days and a half. So, I hope we can have Cody with us, but I cannot guarantee it."
Analysis: Gakpo missed Wednesday's Champions League contest after experiencing discomfort in both adductors, though the issue is not considered serious. The short turnaround before Saturday leaves his availability uncertain, with Liverpool set to assess him over the next couple of days. Bradley Barcola or Rio Ngumoha could start on the left wing if Gakpo is unable to face Fulham.
Missing Wednesday
Gakpo (undisclosed) is out for Wednesday's match against Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Gakpo is not with his team for the UCL opener after he was out of training due to precautionary measures, raising some worries about his health moving forward. The hope is that he just misses the one game to make a quick turnaround, not being risked in the first match of UCL play. However, this is undetermined, with Liverpool taking the field next against Fulham on Saturday.
Misses training as precaution
Gakpo did not take part in Liverpool's session Tuesday, with his absence described as precautionary, according to Ian Doyle of Liverpool Echo.
Analysis: Gakpo skipped Tuesday's session with what has been described as a minor issue, and with no comment from Andoni Iraola in the pre-match media session, there is no indication the club considers it serious. That leaves his involvement against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday uncertain. The winger has started the season strongly with a goal and three assists in the Premier League, including both assists in the 2-0 win at Ipswich. If he is fit enough for tomorrow, a place on the bench is the most likely outcome, which could allow Bradley Barcola or Rio Ngumoha to start.
Pair of assists in win
Gakpo assisted twice to go with one shot (zero on goal) and three chances created in Friday's 2-0 victory against Ipswich Town.
Analysis: Gakpo provided a pair of assists in the opening 10 minutes of Friday's clash. The winger has been brilliant to start the season, which puts boss Andoni Iraola in an interesting spot after the signing of Bradley Barcola, presumably for the same role as Gakpo. With Liverpool competing across numerous competitions it's likely that the two will rotate throughout the campaign.
Assists from right
Gakpo assisted once to go with five crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Gakpo got the start on the right wing, which is on-paper his off flank, but looked excellent. He was able to beat his man repeatedly and set up Alexander Isak for the opening goal of Saturday's match. Gakpo has been linked with a move to Manchester City and Tottenham, but with two goal contributions in two matches Liverpool could decide they don't want to move him on.
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.
Two goal contributions in friendly
Gakpo scored and assisted in Sunday's friendly match against Como as Liverpool closed their preparation for the season opener versus Newcastle.
Analysis: Gakpo has made a positive impact in the latest practice games after returning to work with his club following his World Cup participation for the Netherlands. During the summer competition, he tallied three goals and one assist over four matches played, and the strong offseason run strengthened his position as one of Liverpool's most appealing forwards. His versatility and his involvement in chance creation in the final third make him a complete contributor who could feature either on the left wing or in the middle zone, potentially racking up offensive stats if the team finds consistency at the start of the season.
Ready for new season
Gakpo is back with Liverpool for preseason at the AXA Training Centre, according to the club.
Analysis: Gakpo finished the World Cup with three goals on six shots and one assist on three chances created, closing the gap to just one goal shy of tying the all time Dutch World Cup scoring record with his six. His return to Liverpool training now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he looks to carry that scoring form into the new 2026/27 Premier League season under new coach Andoni Iraola.
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.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare