Jamie Carragher has heaped praise on one Liverpool player he believes is being overlooked, insisting the Reds have an underrated superstar who deserves far more recognition for his performances
Liverpool finally rediscovered their winning formula on Wednesday night, ending a miserable run of four consecutive defeats with a dominant 5–1 triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
It was a result that brought both relief and reassurance for Arne Slot, whose team had looked disjointed and devoid of belief in recent weeks.
For the first time in over a month, Liverpool played with control, aggression, and conviction. The movement was sharp, the press was coordinated, and the end product five goals from five different scorers reflected a team rediscovering its rhythm.
The headlines naturally focused on Florian Wirtz, who responded to his critics with two assists and a much-improved display, and on Curtis Jones, who once again dictated the tempo with maturity and poise. Yet as the dust settled in Frankfurt, one of the most consistent performers in Slot’s side went largely unheralded.
That player was Cody Gakpo, a forward who rarely steals the spotlight, but whose reliability and intelligence have made him indispensable in this evolving Liverpool team.
Arne Slot made five changes to his starting XI after the 2–1 defeat to Manchester United changes that felt overdue given Liverpool’s alarming dip in form. But while the manager reshuffled several areas, he chose to stick with Gakpo on the left flank, a decision that initially raised eyebrows among supporters who had called for a refresh.
It proved to be an inspired show of faith. The Dutchman repaid his manager with a goal and an assist, producing one of his most complete performances of the season and reminding everyone why he remains one of the most tactically trusted players in the squad.
The 26-year-old has faced his share of scrutiny since joining Liverpool in January 2023. His style methodical rather than explosive doesn’t always lend itself to viral moments or highlight reels. But his efficiency, movement, and ability to execute Slot’s pressing principles make him quietly integral.
That view is shared by former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who offered an insightful assessment of Gakpo’s underrated influence during CBS’s post-match analysis.
“I should just mention Gakpo because he probably doesn’t get the praise other players get,” Carragher said. “He’s not a superstar but he consistently scores goals for Liverpool and he has done since he came to the club.”
It’s a comment that sums up the 26-year-old perfectly. Gakpo may not dominate the headlines, but he embodies everything Slot wants his team to be selfless, industrious, and effective.
While critics have occasionally questioned Gakpo’s impact, the numbers paint a far more positive picture. The Netherlands international already has seven goal involvements in 12 appearances this season across all competitions a steady output that has come despite Liverpool’s struggles for form and cohesion.
Had it not been for Gakpo’s consistency, the Reds’ situation in the early weeks of the campaign could have been even more precarious. His work rate also stands out in a squad that has occasionally lacked intensity in wide areas. At a club where off-ball contribution is non-negotiable, Gakpo has shown a relentless appetite for graft.
Unlike Mohamed Salah, whose recent dip in form has been compounded by reduced defensive work, Gakpo has continually helped shield his full-back and contribute to Liverpool’s structure. His discipline down the left allowed Andy Robertson to enjoy one of his most comfortable outings of the season in Frankfurt, with the Scot repeatedly freed to push higher up the pitch thanks to Gakpo’s coverage.
Liverpool’s win over Frankfurt was as dominant as any they’ve produced under Slot so far. For the first time in weeks, there was clarity in their attacking shape and control in their transitions.
Gakpo played a pivotal role in that.
He not only scored and assisted but also knitted the left side of Liverpool’s play together with intelligent runs and quick interchanges. According to Sofascore, he created three big chances, registered four key passes, and had a direct hand in Van Dijk’s towering header for the second goal.
The goal he scored after the hour mark drifting in from the left before calmly finishing from close range typified his timing and composure. There was no flash, no unnecessary flourish. Just smart movement, sharp execution, and efficiency. Those are the hallmarks of Gakpo’s game.
His goals against Chelsea and Manchester United this season underlined his knack for scoring in big games, and his Frankfurt display reinforced that reliability.
Carragher’s words resonate because they cut through the noise. In a side featuring headline makers and high-profile signings, Gakpo operates without fanfare yet his output remains consistent.
The hope now is that this marks a genuine turning point rather than another fleeting moment of promise. He might not be the flashiest or the most talked-about forward in Slot’s squad, but in a team still trying to rediscover its identity, Cody Gakpo is emerging as the dependable heartbeat on Liverpool’s left.
