How does Gakpo fit in at Liverpool in 2026-27?

[Getty Images] In Liverpool's title-winning campaign under Arne Slot in 2024-25, Gakpo scored 18 goals and provided seven assists across 49 games. It led to him signing a long-term deal at Anfield last summer, which by all accounts he was extremely happy to do. Last season, however, despite playing three more matches, his numbers fell to nine goals and six assists. During a difficult campaign, he was far from the only Reds player to be below par, but he will know those numbers will have to improve. Gakpo prefers to play down the left but 2025-26 showed his link-up play with Milos Kerkez needs work, particularly in exploiting the full-back's overlapping runs. Their understanding improved as the season progressed and with Kerkez now reunited with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, the left-back will be expected to accelerate his development next season. That could be good news for Gakpo. With 50 goals in 180 appearances, Gakpo is only the second Dutchman after Dirk Kuyt to reach a half-century for Liverpool and has usually been first choice when fit. Liverpool still view him as a proven attacker in the Premier League who can function in different ways, and given Hugo Ekitike could be missing until 2027 with a ruptured Achilles, his versatility in being able to play centrally offers options for Iraola. Read more about Gakpo's future here