Cody Gakpo has scored his first two goals of the season. Liverpool coach Arne Slot also saw the 25-year-old forward excel in another area during the League Cup match against West Ham United.
Cody Gakpo's recent performances for Liverpool have earned him widespread praise, particularly after his display in the League Cup match against West Ham United.
Although Gakpo's two goals stole the headlines, his overall contribution to the team, both offensively and defensively, was what impressed Liverpool manager Arne Slot the most. Slot emphasized how Gakpo's presence on the field is not just about scoring but also about his ability to contribute in other crucial moments of the game.
During the post-match press conference, Slot highlighted a key defensive moment late in the game when Gakpo cleared the ball from Liverpool's own penalty area. "I think it was ten or fifteen minutes before the end when he cleared the ball from our own penalty area," Slot recounted. This moment demonstrated Gakpo’s commitment to the team’s defensive work, a trait that sets him apart from many attackers. Slot continued, "And that’s also what he contributes to our game, besides scoring. The way he hits the ball in and around the penalty area is with incredible speed, so it doesn’t surprise me that he scores like that."
Gakpo's ability to perform under pressure has been evident throughout the season, and he’s been building on his momentum. In a previous match against AC Milan, Gakpo was already instrumental in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory, providing an important assist and showcasing his influence in key moments. The Liverpool Echo noted how Gakpo "picked up where he left off," reflecting his consistency. Gakpo's involvement in the equalizing goal, followed by forcing a crucial save from the opposing goalkeeper and eventually scoring two goals in the dying minutes, showed his growing confidence. His brace in injury time was a testament to his persistence and determination, earning him a match rating of eight from the publication. As The Liverpool Echo commented, "He clearly has a goal in mind this season."
This upward trajectory for Gakpo has not gone unnoticed, with Slot offering glowing praise not only for Gakpo but for the overall quality within his squad. "For two months, you were only asking me about new players, and I constantly told you how many quality players we already had," Slot said, addressing the media’s previous focus on Liverpool's summer signings. The coach’s confidence in his existing squad has paid off, with Gakpo and others stepping up in crucial moments. "We’ve shown that again in the past weeks and today, that we have many quality players," Slot added.
What stood out most to Slot was the collective effort his team put forth. "What I like most is that even when many new players come onto the field, they don’t try to perform well individually. They really work hard for the team because there was a strong desire to avoid conceding any goals," he said. Slot’s comments underscore a key philosophy of his coaching style teamwork over individual brilliance. This mentality is reflected in Gakpo’s willingness to drop deep, help out defensively, and still contribute in the final third with goals, highlighting his versatility as a forward.
The focus now shifts to Liverpool’s upcoming challenges in the League Cup, where they will face a tough test against Brighton & Hove Albion in the next round. Brighton secured their place in the competition by defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 in a thrilling third-round encounter. Liverpool will need to maintain their strong form if they are to progress further in the competition, with Gakpo likely to play a key role again. His ability to influence games in various ways, combined with his improving goal-scoring form, will be vital as the team navigates the busy season ahead.
As Gakpo continues to cement his place in Liverpool's squad, the young Dutch forward is showing that he is much more than just a goal scorer. His work ethic, tactical awareness, and ability to perform under pressure are turning him into a key figure in Liverpool's campaign, and Slot’s faith in him and the rest of the team is starting to pay dividends. The future looks bright for Gakpo as he aims to take on an even bigger role in Liverpool's pursuit of silverware this season.
