When Cody Gakpo took the Qatar World Cup by storm, becoming just the fourth Dutch player to score three consecutive World Cup matches as he helped the Netherlands top Group A with goals against Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar respectively, it became clear the 23-year-old forward was going to get a big move away from Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven in the winter transfer window.
However, few would have expected his subsequent move to Liverpool. In fact, the announcement that the six-time European champions had pipped their Premier League rivals Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal to Gakpo’s sought-after signature came almost entirely out of the blue and took many by surprise — especially when you consider the Reds already have a wealth of attacking options, and arguably have more important areas to strengthen.
That clearly isn’t how Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and the club’s hierarchy see it though. They will be hoping the arrival of Gakpo can increase their chances of securing one of those crucial European spots come the end of the Premier League season. The Reds are continuing to fall out of favour for the top four on this page after failing to show any real improvement now the English top flight is back underway following the World Cup.
But just what exactly will the young forward bring to Anfield? Read on as we take a look at some of his best assets.
Goals
With Darwin Nunez fluffing chances left, right and centre and Mohamed Salah not looking like his clinical self so far this season, the one thing this Liverpool side arguably need more than anything right now is a goalscorer — and they will be hoping Gakpo will be able to deliver in this time of need.
There is plenty of reason to believe that the 23-year-old can do just that as well. His three goals in five games in the Middle East were a continuation from his fine form at club level, as Gakpo had already bagged nine goals in 14 games for PSV in the Eredivisie this season.
The Premier League will, of course, be a step up in class for the forward. However, there is no reason to believe that Gakpo won’t be able cope with his new surroundings.
Assists
While the 23-year-old didn’t set up a single goal in any of his five World Cup appearances for the Netherlands, that’s not a fair reflection of what he is capable of when it comes to chance creation as opposed to scoring the goals himself.
Gakpo registered an impressive 12 assists in his 14 Eredivisie appearances prior to heading to Qatar — as well as setting up two goals in three Europa League outings, including his side’s second in the 2-0 win over Arsenal.
Nunez and Salah might just benefit on the goalscoring front from Gakpo’s arrival.
Versatility
While Gakpo was predominantly used as a central striker by Louis van Gaal for the Netherlands at the World Cup, he is more used to playing on the left flank at club level for PSV — which will be ideal for Klopp as he can opt for a front three of Gakpo, Nunez and Salah.
But the versatility of being able to play down the middle will come in handy when Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota return from injury, especially if Nunez is still misfiring. Gakpo’s 6ft 4in frame is unusual for a winger, but it makes him unique in that respect and he could also prove a danger centrally with his height.
