Liverpool’s recent 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge marked their third consecutive loss across all competitions, a worrying skid for Arne Slot’s side. In a season already fraught with inconsistency, the Reds have slipped to just one point behind Arsenal in the Premier League table. Amidst the post-match scrutiny, one name continues to spark heated debate among fans: Cody Gakpo. Despite scoring Liverpool’s only goal in the loss, the Dutch winger has faced persistent criticism for his performances. Yet, Slot’s unwavering faith in the 26-year-old has left Anfield buzzing—and the real reason behind it might just surprise you.
A Rough Patch for the Reds
The defeat at Stamford Bridge was a tough pill to swallow for Liverpool fans. With only Gakpo finding the net and debutant goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili earning some praise, standout performances were few and far between. The team’s lackluster display highlighted deeper issues, but Gakpo, as the lone scorer, has found himself under the microscope. Critics have pointed to his predictability—particularly his tendency to cut inside from the left—as a recurring flaw. Social media and fan forums have been alight with frustration, with many questioning why Gakpo remains a near-automatic starter, having featured in every Premier League game this season bar one, where he came off the bench.
The Numbers Tell a Different Story
While fans may label Gakpo’s play as “sub-par” or overly predictable, the statistics paint a different picture—one that explains why Slot continues to back him. In the Premier League this season, Gakpo has created 14 chances, a tally that places him second only to Bruno Fernandes and Jack Grealish (both with 17). For context, no other Liverpool player comes close, with Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz trailing at 11 chances created each.
|
Player |
Premier League Starts |
Chances Created |
|---|---|---|
|
Bruno Fernandes |
7 |
17 |
|
Jack Grealish |
5 |
17 |
|
Cody Gakpo |
6 |
14 |
|
Bryan Mbeumo |
7 |
13 |
|
Mohammed Kudus |
7 |
13 |
This creativity from the left flank is a cornerstone of Liverpool’s attack, and Gakpo’s consistency in this area is undeniable. To call him predictable seems harsh when he’s proving to be the team’s most creative outlet, even in a season where the squad has struggled collectively.
Why Gakpo Keeps His Spot
One of the biggest reasons Gakpo remains a fixture in Slot’s starting XI is the lack of viable alternatives on the left wing. Youngster Rio Ngumoha is the only other natural option, but he’s yet to prove himself as a regular starter. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz, who has been tested on the left, looked far more comfortable in a free-roaming midfield role during his recent display against Crystal Palace. Slot’s options are limited, and Gakpo’s reliability—despite his imperfections—makes him the best choice for now.
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But it’s not just about a lack of competition. Gakpo’s contributions extend beyond chance creation. He’s tied with Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike for Liverpool’s highest goal contributions this season, with four each. While this number is modest for a club of Liverpool’s attacking pedigree, it underscores Gakpo’s importance in a side that’s struggling to find the net consistently. His goal against Chelsea, for instance, was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal team performance.
The Bigger Picture
The criticism aimed at Gakpo often overshadows the broader issues plaguing Liverpool. The team’s attacking output has been lackluster, with a gaping hole in their frontline that needs urgent addressing. As noted in recent discussions, Liverpool’s failure to bolster their attack in the summer transfer window has left them exposed. Gakpo, for all his perceived shortcomings, is not the root of the problem. The team’s struggles stem from a combination of factors—defensive lapses, midfield inconsistency, and a lack of clinical finishing—that go far beyond the left wing.
Slot’s decision to stick with Gakpo, then, isn’t defiance for the sake of it. It’s a pragmatic choice rooted in the Dutchman’s creativity, consistency, and the lack of better options. Gakpo’s ability to create chances and contribute goals, even in a tough season, makes him indispensable for now. However, there’s no denying he has room to grow. Improving his decision-making and varying his approach could elevate him from a reliable starter to a true game-changer.
Anfield’s Verdict
The buzz around Anfield isn’t just about Gakpo’s performances—it’s about Slot’s bold choice to back a player under fire. Fans may question his predictability, but the numbers don’t lie: Gakpo is Liverpool’s creative heartbeat on the left. With no clear replacement and a team grappling with bigger issues, Slot’s faith in the Dutchman is less about defying logic and more about recognizing his value in a struggling squad. The real reason Gakpo keeps his place? He’s delivering where it counts, and until Liverpool address their wider problems, he’s the best they’ve got. Anfield may be buzzing with debate, but Slot’s decision might just be the clarity this team needs.