Cody Gakpo has recently made headlines this season as he begins to flourish in his natural left wing role, returning to form and confidence.

The Dutch winger’s recent resurgence has fueled an impressive season so far, much to the dismay of his unsuccessful time of filling the void of the false 9 role previously for Liverpool.

Stepping into his preferred left-wing position under Arne Slot, this strategic shift has not only revitalised Gakpo’s performances but also enhanced Liverpool’s attacking dynamics.



From ??Eredivisie to the Premier League

Cody Gakpo enjoyed a highly successful spell at PSV Eindhoven, rising through the club’s academy to become one of the Eredivisie’s most dynamic and prolific wingers.

Cody Gakpo: Lifting a trophy is the goal	£33m Liverpool target spotted practicing his Scouse accent with Cody Gakpo on international duty	Jarell Quansah lifts lid on Arne Slot talks over new Liverpool role ahead of Newcastle final

Making his senior debut in 2016, he steadily established himself as a key player, particularly excelling in the 2021–22 season, when he registered 21 goals and 15 assists across all competitions.

His combination of pace, dribbling ability, and precise finishing made him a standout performer, helping PSV win the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield.

Gakpo’s consistent performances attracted interest from top European clubs, ultimately leading to his transfer to Liverpool in January 2023.

Hans Kraay Jr, a former Dutch footballer and
television presenter, claimed to have spoken to Pep Lijnders about Gakpo, with Lijnders referring to Gakpo as the “missing link.”

Struggles In The False 9 Role

From arriving at Liverpool in January 2023, Cody Gakpo has been a versatile asset for the team.

One of the biggest challenges he faced was adapting to the false 9 role—a position that never seemed to maximise Gakpo’s strengths.

Gakpo was brought into the squad by Jürgen Klopp in a more central role to compensate for injuries and tactical needs, a gamble which didn’t seem to pay off as he often looked
uncomfortable, struggling to replicate the form he displayed as a left winger at PSV Eindhoven.

One of the most telling signs of Gakpo’s difficulties in the false 9 role was his inconsistency in front of goal.

Gakpo struggled to get into scoring positions as effectively as he did from the left flank, which often saw him drift too deep or wide, leaving Liverpool without a focal point in attack.

A Tactical Mismatch

Cody Gakpo’s natural game is more direct, where he has the freedom to cut inside, drive at defenders, and utilise his powerful shot.

Gakpo’s movements were often predictable, making it easier for defenders to mark him.

Embracing The Left Wing

Cody Gakpo’s performances during UEFA Euro 2024 were a testament to the impact of deploying a player in their natural position.

Being played as a left winger for the Netherlands, Gakpo showcased his full potential, playing a pivotal role in his team’s journey to the semi-finals before a heartbreaking defeat to England.

Throughout the tournament, Gakpo’s positioning on the left wing allowed him to exploit his strengths—cutting inside, taking on defenders, and creating scoring opportunities.

In the Netherlands’ opening match against Poland, he was a key piece in their 2-1 comeback victory, scoring a crucial goal that highlighted his attacking prowess.

Liverpool’s Tactical Adjustments

Arne Slot’s arrival ensured the Dutchman found consistency, returning to the left side of Liverpool’s attack.

Based on 2622 minutes played [Fbref].

In 24 appearances, (8 as substitutes) in the league so far, Gakpo has netted 8 goals, while in the Champions League he has featured in 7 matches (3 as substitute) and scored 3 goals.

Standout performances in domestic cup competitions include the brace scored in the 5-1 victory over West Ham in the league cup, a goal against Brighton, and a crucial strike in the 4-0 semi
final against Tottenham which propelled Liverpool to the final.

Recognition and Impact

Cody Gakpo’s recent performances this season under Slot highlights the significance of utilising players in their natural positions
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