Cody Gakpo Surges in Liverpool's Champions League 3-1 Win Over AC Milan

Cody Gakpo had his best performance of the season in their 3-1 victory over AC Milan in the Champions League opener of the 024/25 season. He was one of the best players on the pitch.

He carried over the confidence we saw this summer he displayed at the Euros with the Netherlands.

Cody Gakpo Surges in Liverpool's Champions League 3-1 Win Over AC Milan

Taking the lesson from the tough loss to Nottingham Forest last weekend, Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot decided to adjust his Starting XI.

In two spot changes that he made, Gakpo was the one to replace Luiz Diaz who had started all matches this season thus far.

“I actually would have planned to play Cody on Saturday, but Cody, for the first time, played two games with the Dutch national team, and Lucho was more fit than Cody on Saturday. Slot explained his decision to Prime Video. “That is why Lucho played (vs. Forest), and now Cody (vs. Milan), who did well.”

Gakpo, who sharpened himself at Euro 2024 with the Netherlands and urged to prove himself an intimidating attacker, eventually opened up his account in Liverpool’s first Champions League match against AC Milan in San Siro Stadium.

With one assist and multiple chance created, Gakpo gave all his dynamics to contribute to the Reds’ immense victory.

Cody Gakpo wreaked havoc on Milan on the Offensive End

Besides playing in international competitions, Gakpo was rarely plotted on the left flank of the club. It’s convincing that the Dutchman can positively impact the team when he plays as a left winger.

Slot bravely experimented with whether he could also play comfortably in the same position. Apparently, Slot made the right decision.

Gakpo’s first contribution occurred in the 21st minute when Liverpool was trailing 1-0. Through physical contact near the post on the left side, Gakpo caused a yellow card on AC Milan’s captain Davide Calabria and won a brilliant free-kick spot for the Reds.

With the most experienced kicker Trent Alexander-Arnold setting the piece, Ibrahima Konate leaped his body up and headed the tiebreaker.

With multiple touches on the left flank, Gakpo showcased his talent and desire to score in his comfort zone, dribbling through defenders and bombing intimidating shots.

Overall, he piled up three shots, with two on the target. He also made six shot-creating actions.

As the ball was intercepted by Ryan Gravenberch in the 66th minute, Gakpo was striding forward for a typical comeback play chance.

Utilizing his advantage of speed and strength, Gakpo cast off AC Milan’s defender Strahinja Pavlovic and made his way to the left corner of the box with the ball, finishing the attack with an assist to an unmarked Dominik Szoboszlai.

Will Cody Gakpo Earn More Starting Opportunities in the Future?

“Every player wants to play and I got my moment. I really wanted to show myself and I am very happy with an assist but also especially with the win,” Gakpo said after the match.

When it comes to comparing Díaz with Gakpo, the Colombian International has been effective for Liverpool with solid shooting abilities and consistent goal production so far this season.

On the other hand, Gakpo demonstrated impressive form both with and without the ball on Tuesday.

His ball-carrying skills and creativity are proving crucial to the team. Gakpo has shown significant progress, making him an important asset to Liverpool’s attack.

As Slot was navigating the front three for the best effect, Gakpo made a powerful response throughout the match that gave him the confidence to use him more on the pitch.

Following Slot’s achievement of activating Gravenberch who won the UCL Man of the Match after the fight, we are looking forward to seeing more presence from another Dutchman.