Cody Gakpo has transitioned from an Eredivisie standout to a cornerstone of the modern Liverpool attack.
Since his arrival in January 2023, the Dutch international has combined elite physical attributes with a refined technical profile to become one of the most durable assets in European football.
As of June 2026, his trajectory reflects a player in his prime, blending high-level output for both club and country.
This analysis delves deep into his 2025/2026 metrics, career milestones, and tactical versatility, illustrating why he remains a high-value figure in the Premier League’s competitive landscape while maintaining remarkable physical availability.
The 2025/2026 Campaign: A Blueprint of Consistency
The 2025/2026 season served as a definitive period for Cody Gakpo, showcasing his ability to handle the rigorous demands of multi-competition football.
Appearing in 52 matches for Liverpool, he provided a balanced output of 9 goals and 6 assists across all club competitions. His reliability was most evident in the Premier League, where he featured in 36 matches, starting 32 of them.
For tactical analysts, Gakpo’s value is found in his high-floor performance. In the Premier League alone, he logged 2,749 minutes, averaging approximately 76 minutes per appearance. This consistent presence allowed Liverpool to maintain a stable offensive structure.
| Competition | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 36 | 7 | 5 | 2,749 |
| UEFA Champions League | 11 | 2 | 2 | 457 |
| FA Cup | 4 | 0 | 0 | 287 |
| FA Community Shield | 1 | 0 | 0 | 90 |
| Total Club Season | 52 | 9 | 7 | 3,583 |
Advanced Metrics and Efficiency Analysis
While raw goal numbers provide a surface-level view, Gakpo’s advanced metrics reveal a player who is deeply integrated into the creative phase of the game.
During the 2025/2026 Premier League season, his Expected Goals (xG) stood at 10.54, suggesting that while he scored 7 times, he was consistently finding high-quality scoring opportunities.
His Non-Penalty xG (npxG) per 90 minutes puts him in the top 90th percentile of players, highlighting his elite movement off the ball.
Creatively, Gakpo is a powerhouse. He recorded 53 key passes in the league, averaging 1.74 per 90 minutes, which places him in the 91st percentile for playmaking from the forward line.
| Metric | Total (PL) | Per 90 Minutes | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected Goals (xG) | 10.54 | 0.35 | 88th |
| Expected Assists (xA) | 5.95 | 0.19 | 78th |
| Key Passes | 53 | 1.74 | 91st |
| Shots Taken | 87 | 2.85 | 95th |
| Dribbles Completed | 31 | 1.01 | 79th |
Physical Profile and Defensive Contribution
Standing at 1.93 meters, Gakpo offers a unique physical profile for a left winger. This height is not merely for show; he utilizes his frame to dominate aerial duels, winning 1.77 per 90 minutes in the Premier League, which is in the 72nd percentile for his position.
His defensive work rate is equally impressive for a forward. He engaged in 328 ground duels throughout the league season, winning 157 of them. This willingness to contribute defensively is a key reason he has remained a favorite under the management of Arne Slot.
| Defensive Attribute | Total (PL) | Per 90 / Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Duels Won | 157 | 5.14 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 54 | 1.77 |
| Interceptions | 13 | 0.43 |
| Tackles | 29 | 0.95 |
| Penalty Success Rate | — | 80% (Career) |
International Dominance: The Netherlands Engine
Gakpo’s impact for the Netherlands national team often exceeds his domestic scoring rates. Known as a tournament specialist, he has delivered in the most high-pressure environments. By June 2026, he had earned 51 senior caps, scoring 21 goals for his country.
His efficiency in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers was particularly noteworthy, where he recorded 4 goals and 4 assists in just 8 appearances. This international form underscores his ability to act as a primary offensive focal point when required.
| International Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 World Cup Qualifiers | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| 2022 FIFA World Cup | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| UEFA Euro 2024 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| UEFA Nations League | 15 | 5 | 2 |
| Total Senior International | 51 | 21 | 14 |
The Evolution of Market Value and Career Success
Since moving to Anfield for a fee exceeding €40 million in 2023, Gakpo’s market value has stabilized at elite levels. As of June 2026, his estimated transfer value sits at €65 million, having peaked at €70 million in 2025.
This valuation is supported by a trophy cabinet that spans two countries and his long-term contract at Liverpool, which runs until June 30, 2030.
Gakpo’s professional journey began at Jong PSV, where he developed in the Eerste Divisie before exploding onto the scene with the PSV senior team.
His transition to England saw him quickly add the Carabao Cup to his honors, alongside his previous Eredivisie and KNVB Cup titles.
| Honor / Trophy | Team | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Eredivisie Winner | PSV Eindhoven | 2017/2018 |
| KNVB Cup Winner | PSV Eindhoven | 2021/2022 |
| Dutch Super Cup | PSV Eindhoven | 2021, 2022 |
| Carabao Cup Winner | Liverpool F.C. | 2023/2024 |
| Premier League Winner | Liverpool F.C. | (Career Period) |
Tactical Versatility: Roles and Responsibilities
Gakpo’s primary position remains the Left Winger, but his 1.93-meter frame and technical proficiency allow him to occupy multiple roles across the front line.
In the 2025/2026 Champions League campaign, his passing accuracy reached a staggering 88%, demonstrating his ability to maintain possession and link play under extreme pressure.
His shooting profile shows a preference for volume. He took 87 shots in the Premier League, though his shot accuracy of 24.14% suggests an area for potential growth in clinical finishing.
Despite this, his ability to generate 2.85 shots per 90 minutes keeps opposition defenses in a constant state of retreat.
Durability and Injury Resilience
One of the most underappreciated aspects of Cody Gakpo’s profile is his availability. In an era of frequent player burnout, Gakpo has managed to stay relatively clear of long-term absences.
While he faced minor ankle issues in early 2025, he quickly returned to log over 3,000 minutes of competitive football for his club that season. This physical resilience makes him an invaluable asset for managers planning long-term tactical cycles.
Comparative Analysis: Liverpool’s Offensive Hierarchy
Within the Liverpool squad, Gakpo ranks as one of the most productive forwards per 90 minutes. While Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa often lead in raw scoring rates, Gakpo’s goal involvement of 0.39 per 90 minutes in the league remains competitive.
| Player | Position | Goals Per 90 |
|---|---|---|
| Federico Chiesa | FW | 0.57 |
| Hugo Ekitike | FW | 0.55 |
| Mohamed Salah | FW | 0.29 |
| Cody Gakpo | FW | 0.23 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Cody Gakpo’s current market value?
As of June 2026, his market value is approximately €65 million.
How long is Cody Gakpo’s contract at Liverpool?
His current contract is set to expire on June 30, 2030.
What is Gakpo’s primary position?
He is primarily a Left Winger, though his height and technical skill allow him to play across the attack.
How many goals has Gakpo scored for the Netherlands?
He has scored 21 goals in 51 senior international appearances as of mid-2026.
What were his stats in the 2025/2026 Premier League season?
He recorded 7 goals and 5 assists in 36 league matches.
Conclusion: The Future of the Dutch Engine
Cody Gakpo represents the modern prototype of a versatile forward. His blend of 1.93m height, elite creative metrics (91st percentile key passes), and remarkable durability makes him a rare commodity in the global market.
While he continues to refine his finishing, his overall contribution to build-up play and his established pedigree in international tournaments solidify his status as a top-tier European attacker.
As Liverpool continues its era under new tactical leadership, Gakpo’s role as a reliable, high-output engine remains central to the club’s ambitions.
Whether operating on the left wing or drifting inside to create for teammates, the data confirms that Cody Gakpo is far more than just a goalscorer; he is a tactical Swiss Army knife for the world’s most demanding league.
