Cody Gakpo: A Statistical Deep Dive into a Rising Star

Cody Gakpo has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in world football. His electrifying pace, intricate dribbling, and clinical finishing have made him a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. This article delves into the statistical world of Cody Gakpo, exploring his journey from PSV Eindhoven to Liverpool, analyzing his key performance indicators, examining his strengths and weaknesses, and assessing his overall impact on the game.

From PSV Eindhoven to the Premier League: A Statistical Overview

Cody Mathès Gakpo was born on May 7, 1999, in Eindhoven, Netherlands. His footballing journey began at PSV Eindhoven’s youth academy, where he honed his skills and developed into a highly promising talent.  He made his professional debut for PSV in 2018 and quickly established himself as a key player for the club.   

His statistics at PSV speak volumes about his rapid development.  Across his time in the Eredivisie, Gakpo consistently delivered impressive numbers in terms of goals and assists.  He demonstrated his versatility by playing in various attacking positions, including winger, forward, and attacking midfielder.  His ability to contribute both goals and assists made him a valuable asset to PSV, and his performances caught the attention of clubs across Europe.   

In January 2023, Gakpo made a high-profile move to Liverpool in the Premier League. This transfer marked a significant step in his career, as he joined one of the biggest clubs in the world. The move to the Premier League presented a new challenge for Gakpo, as he faced tougher competition and a more demanding playing style.   

Analyzing Gakpo’s Key Performance Indicators

To understand Gakpo’s impact on the game, it’s essential to analyze his key performance indicators (KPIs).  These statistics provide insights into his strengths and weaknesses as a player.

Goals and Assists: Goals and assists are the most fundamental KPIs for any attacking player. Gakpo has consistently demonstrated his ability to contribute in both these areas. His goal-scoring record at PSV was impressive, and he has continued to contribute goals and assists at Liverpool, albeit with the expected adjustment period.   

Shots per Game: This statistic indicates a player’s attacking intent. Gakpo is not shy about taking shots, and his shot accuracy is generally high. This willingness to shoot makes him a constant threat to opposing goalkeepers.

Passing Accuracy: Passing accuracy is crucial for any player, especially those in attacking positions. Gakpo’s passing accuracy is generally good, indicating his ability to link up with teammates and create scoring opportunities.

Key Passes: Key passes are passes that lead directly to a shot on goal. Gakpo’s ability to create key passes highlights his vision and his ability to unlock defenses.   

Dribbles per Game: Dribbling is one of Gakpo’s greatest strengths. His pace, skill, and close control allow him to beat defenders and create space for himself and his teammates.   

Tackles per Game: While not his primary role, Gakpo also contributes defensively. His tackles per game, while not exceptionally high, show that he is willing to put in the effort defensively and contribute to winning back possession.

Aerial Duels Won: Gakpo’s height and athleticism make him a threat in aerial duels. His ability to win aerial duels can be an important asset, especially in set-piece situations.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Statistical Perspective

Gakpo’s statistical profile reveals his key strengths:

Finishing: Gakpo is a clinical finisher, capable of scoring a variety of goals. His composure in front of goal is a major asset.   

Dribbling: His dribbling ability is exceptional. He can beat defenders with ease, creating scoring opportunities and disrupting opposing defenses.   

Versatility: Gakpo’s ability to play in various attacking positions makes him a valuable asset to any team.   

Work Rate: He is known for his tireless work rate, contributing both offensively and defensively.

While Gakpo has many strengths, some areas have room for improvement:

Consistency: Maintaining consistent performance levels throughout an entire season is crucial for any top player.

Defensive Contribution: While he contributes defensively, he could further refine his tackling and tracking back.

Gakpo’s Impact at Liverpool

Gakpo’s move to Liverpool was met with high expectations.  He has shown glimpses of his immense talent, and as he settles into his new surroundings and adapts to the Premier League’s intensity, he has the potential to become a key player for the Reds.

His statistics at Liverpool, while still developing, suggest that he is beginning to find his feet.  He has shown his ability to link up with his teammates, create scoring opportunities, and contribute goals and assists. As he continues to integrate into Liverpool’s system and build chemistry with his teammates, his impact is expected to grow.   

The Future of Cody Gakpo: A Statistical Outlook

Cody Gakpo’s career is on a steep upward trajectory.  His statistical profile highlights his immense potential and suggests that he has all the tools to become one of the top players in the world.  As he continues to develop and refine his skills, he is likely to achieve great things in the game.

His combination of physical attributes, technical skills, and a strong work ethic makes him a player to watch for years to come.  Whether he continues to shine at Liverpool or moves on to another big club, the future looks bright for this talented young player.  His statistical journey is just beginning, and it promises to be an exciting one.

It’s important to note that statistics are just one piece of the puzzle.  They provide valuable insights into a player’s performance, but they don’t tell the whole story.  Factors such as teamwork, tactical understanding, and mental strength also play a crucial role in a player’s success.  However, Gakpo’s statistical profile, combined with his evident talent and potential, suggests that he has a bright future ahead of him.

FAQs

What is Cody Gakpo’s position? 

Cody Gakpo is primarily an attacker, with the ability to play across various positions in the forward line. He is most commonly deployed as a left winger, where he can cut inside onto his stronger right foot, but he has also been effective as a center-forward or right winger. His versatility allows him to adapt to different tactical systems, making him an invaluable asset to his teams.

What are Cody Gakpo’s key statistics for PSV Eindhoven? 

Gakpo’s time at PSV Eindhoven has been marked by impressive performances. As of the 2024 season, Gakpo has made over 100 appearances for the club, scoring 40+ goals and providing a similar number of assists. His ability to contribute both in terms of goals and assists has made him one of the most prolific players in the Eredivisie, and he regularly ranks among the league’s top performers.

How has Cody Gakpo performed in the 2022-2023 season? 

In the 2022-2023 season, Gakpo had a standout campaign for PSV, scoring 21 goals and assisting 16 in all competitions. His impressive form helped PSV compete for the Eredivisie title and secured their place in European competitions. Additionally, his contributions were instrumental in PSV’s successful campaign in the KNVB Cup, where they claimed the trophy.

What are Cody Gakpo’s international statistics for the Netherlands? 

Gakpo has also made a significant impact on the international stage with the Netherlands. Since his debut in 2020, he has earned over 20 caps, scoring 10+ goals. His performances in the UEFA Nations League and World Cup qualifying campaigns have highlighted his ability to perform on the biggest stages. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Gakpo scored three goals, emerging as one of the standout players for the Netherlands.

What are Cody Gakpo’s strengths as a player? 

Gakpo is known for his technical ability, pace, and dribbling skills. His ability to take on defenders, combined with his vision and precise passing, makes him a constant threat in one-on-one situations. His versatility is another major strength, as he is capable of playing in various attacking roles. Additionally, his goal-scoring ability, particularly with his powerful right foot, makes him a dangerous finisher in the final third.

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