Liverpool star Cody Gakpo has earned fresh praise after continuing his excellent start to the 2025/26 season with the Netherlands. The 26-year-old played 90 minutes in both the 1-1 draw against Poland and the 3-2 win over Lithuania, where he registered a fine assist for Memphis Depay’s opener.
Gakpo’s performances underline his status as a fixture for Ronald Koeman’s Oranje. At club level, he has started all four of Liverpool’s Premier League games under Arne Slot, contributing one goal and two assists already this campaign.
Pierre van Hooijdonk believes Gakpo has reached a new level of consistency, one that makes him indispensable.
Van Hooijdonk: “He Brings a Certain Level Every Match”
Speaking on NOS, Van Hooijdonk was effusive in his praise for Gakpo’s intelligence and influence on the pitch:
“He brings a certain level to every match. It’s linked to intelligence. He has depth. In fact, especially in the first half, he was the most important player. A fantastic assist on that first goal by Memphis, of course. But also in the second half: this is a player who wins matches. He might not score the goals today, but he’s involved in all the dangerous moments for the Dutch national team.” — Pierre van Hooijdonk, NOS
Liverpool Form Carrying into Oranje
Since arriving at Liverpool from PSV for €42m in 2023, Gakpo has delivered 42 goals and 19 assists in 132 appearances. That output, once criticised for inconsistency, is now matched by influence in key games.
Slot has deployed Gakpo across the frontline, and his ability to combine work rate with creativity makes him crucial in both Liverpool’s and the Netherlands’ systems.
Cody Gakpo’s Season So Far (2025/26)
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Netherlands (WCQ) | 2 | 0 | 1 |
source: match data – 8 September 2025
The numbers show why Van Hooijdonk is impressed: consistent involvement in goals, whether scoring or creating.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William says Gakpo has developed into the complete modern forward:
“Gakpo offers versatility, pressing intelligence and end product. Liverpool’s new system under Slot relies heavily on dynamic attackers, and Gakpo is thriving. For the Netherlands, he is becoming the glue between midfield and attack. He might not be the top scorer, but he is the player who elevates those around him.”
Key Insights
- Gakpo praised by Van Hooijdonk as “a player who wins matches.”
- Assisted Depay’s opener in 3-2 win over Lithuania.
- Strong club form: 1 goal, 2 assists in 4 games for Liverpool.
- 42 goals and 19 assists since joining the Reds in 2023.
- Emerging as a consistent key figure for Tuchel’s Netherlands.
What’s Next for Gakpo?
Gakpo returns to Liverpool duty this weekend as Slot’s side face Burnley, with fans eager to see if his international confidence translates back into domestic action. With Liverpool already scoring freely, Gakpo’s consistency could be the factor that sustains a title push.
For the Netherlands, World Cup qualification continues in October. If Gakpo maintains this level, his role as Tuchel’s go-to attacking weapon is secure.
👉 Is Cody Gakpo now Liverpool and the Netherlands’ most reliable forward after his flying start to 2025/26?
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