Liverpool star Cody Gakpo is doing something no other Premier League player has managed in 2025/26
Cody Gakpo has enjoyed a strong start to the season with Liverpool, with faith put in him as the main left winger in the squad.
The departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez left Liverpool lighter on that side, although there are solutions there.
Gakpo is now the first choice left winger rather than Diaz, with Rio Ngumoha trusted as his back-up, and the arrival of Alexander Isak could mean Hugo Ekitike moves to a wider role.
Right now, though, Gakpo should not be in any danger of losing his starting spot, given how well he has started the campaign, as one of the best around in his position.
Cody Gakpo leads Premier League for carries
Gakpo has registered three goals and assists in three games, having scored on the opening day against Bournemouth, and he has been impressive in the front line.
While Ekitike has taken the plaudits, Gakpo has been threatening well in the final third and has also been a crucial figure in leading counter-attacks for Liverpool.
| Stat | Cody Gakpo |
| Appearances | 3 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Chances created | 6 |
| Touches in opposition box | 13 |
It has now emerged that Gakpo has registered nine successful ball carries, with no player in the entire Premier League recording more.
The 26-year-old is getting better and better in his role as a winger, and this statistic proves that he is more important for Arne Slot’s side than he is given credit for.
Liverpool cannot drop Cody Gakpo yet
Liverpool will now face a tough dilemma when Isak becomes fit and ready to start, as it means one of Ekitike or Gakpo will have to drop out of the team.
Both have started the season superbly, meaning that one will be harshly dropped for now, but while Ekitike has scored more, Gakpo’s ball-carrying will bring more balance to the side, as a more natural winger.
Slot will face a tough but welcome dilemma in this sense, with Liverpool boasting their best attack since the days of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane’s prime.
Mohamed Salah called for Liverpool fans to show respect to Nunez and Diaz, but it is becoming clear that Gakpo was the better choice on that side.
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