Analysing Cody Gakpo as the Reds' New False Nine

How similar is he to Firmino?

Article written on 23rd February, 2023.

When Cody Gakpo signed for Liverpool, many had doubts about where the Dutchman would play when everyone in the forward line is fit. We saw him making his Liverpool debut on the left wing against Wolves and it did not look great, although it is tough to make definitive judgements after one appearance.

The first instance of the former PSV captain operating as a number nine was on display in the Premier League game away at Brighton. The team performance was a disaster that day, hence nothing much to note with regards to his personal contribution.

The next time he started there in the league was against Chelsea. And even though the game was a borefest, there were signs of promise from the 24-year-old. The performance against Brighton in the FA Cup was a continuation of the promise shown in the previous game.

Gakpo came into his own and looked comfortable playing in that position in the latest two league encounters against Everton and Newcastle United. Although it was great to see him score a goal in both the games, the overall performances shone bright.

Even in the first half against Real Madrid the Dutchman was active in the final third, linking up play with the midfield and pressing high. It was a shame that things fell apart after the break and he became detached with the team as no one was able to pass the ball forward with any accuracy.

His numbers versus the European champions read as - four tackles (three won, more than anyone in the Liverpool midfield), six of the seven ground duels won, one key pass, 75% pass accuracy, two passes into the final third and three ball recoveries.

Gakpo’s Positional Play as a Nine - Tactical Analysis

This section will have some of the in-game screen grabs to have a detailed view at what Gakpo is doing while playing as a number nine for Liverpool, how is it similar to what Roberto Firmino used to do and more.