Cody Gakpo: The fitness secret driving Liverpool star’s aims of returning to best form
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Credit: Imago Fri 1 May 2026 16:30, UK Cody Gakpo is among many Liverpool players to have endured a difficult season amid a clear decline across the board.The Netherlands international was superb under Arne Slot last season, scoring 18 goals across all competitions as the Reds won the Premier League. But it has been a battle just to secure Champions League football this season, and Liverpool arguably only find themselves on the verge of doing it now due to other teams’ failures.Gakpo had started the season well and signed a new long-term contract in August, securing his future at Anfield.The Liverpool forward’s form has dropped off spectacularly since that deal was signed, but he is now looking to rediscover the form he showed last season. ⚽ Liverpool Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews, VAR verdicts, and tactical analysis for every Reds fixture.
VISIT THE LIVERPOOL MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES WHOOP is Cody Gakpo’s recovery secretVirgil van Dijk uses WHOOP – a wearable technology made to monitor sleep, stress, strain, recovery and much more – to maintain his staggering fitness record. It will be part of Gakpo’s plan to return to the levels he showed last season, as Liverpool look to bounce back next season.
He's our #4—he's Virgil van Dijk—and this is his newly designed WHOOP band. 🤝Made to grab your attention with bright colors and the iconic #4, stand out from the crowd and look good doing it, just like the big man himself. pic.twitter.com/T5rXc9iJk1— WHOOP (@WHOOP) October 17, 2024 View Tweet It is not just the Reds who use the technology. PSG recently announced a long-term partnership with WHOOP, and the face of football fitness, Cristiano Ronaldo, is also a long-time supporter.Gakpo can become Liverpool’s main man next seasonWith Mohamed Salah set to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract this summer, there is a space available as the main man at Anfield.So far, Gakpo has not shown an ability to rack up the type of extraordinary numbers – 34 goals across all competitions – that the Egyptian put up last season, but he can certainly lead Slot’s side forward.With Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz still adapting to life at Anfield, Salah’s exit has called for the step up of a forward who knows what it means to play for Liverpool.With Gakpo entering his prime, it feels as if his time to take that next step has finally arrived. 🔴 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Liverpool Insider Access Get the full story from Anfield and the AXA Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Merseyside.