Tottenham's Interest in Cody Gakpo: A Data-Driven Analysis
The recent speculation linking Tottenham Hotspur to Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has sparked debate among football fans and analysts alike. While some may be quick to dismiss his performance last season as underwhelming, a deeper dive into the underlying data reveals a player with exceptional qualities that could significantly benefit Spurs.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Gakpo's 2025-26 campaign was indeed a challenging one, with only seven Premier League goals to his name. However, this figure is often misleading. When we examine the advanced metrics, a different picture emerges. Gakpo remained one of Europe's most dangerous wide forwards, averaging 2.2 touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 minutes, ranking him among the top 10 for both open-play shots and chances created.
His player comparison profile further emphasizes his strengths. Compared to positional peers, Gakpo excels in shot frequency, advanced involvement, and box threat, ranking in the 98th, 96th, and 91st percentiles, respectively. This indicates his exceptional ability to create dangerous attacking situations.
Attacking the Back Post
Gakpo's success is largely attributed to his willingness to exploit space behind defenses. His 30 offside calls in the Premier League last season highlight his tendency to make runs beyond the last defender, a strategy that has proven effective. By consistently attacking the back post and timing his runs into the penalty area, Gakpo has demonstrated his intelligence and goal-scoring prowess.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to Tottenham's current forward options, Gakpo's performance stands out. Richarlison, for instance, scored more league goals but attempted fewer shots and created fewer big chances. Solanke and Tel also fell short in several key attacking metrics. Even Randal Kolo Muani, who spent last season on loan at Spurs, trailed Gakpo's output.
Defensive Contributions
Beyond his attacking prowess, Gakpo also brings valuable defensive attributes. He recorded 187 touches in the opposition penalty area, the highest among the four compared forwards. His 4.17 expected assists from open play further underscore his ability to create chances. Additionally, Gakpo's defensive contributions are notable, with 87 possessions regained and 13 interceptions, outperforming his teammates in these areas.
Link-Up Play and Aerial Dominance
Gakpo's profile extends to his comfort in tight spaces and his ability to contribute to build-up play, ranking in the 78th percentile for link-up play and 75th percentile for pass progression. His physical presence as a 6ft 4in forward is also notable, ranking in the 96th percentile for aerial volume, a rare quality among wide forwards.
Why Liverpool Won't Let Go Easily
Despite some frustration with his performances last season, Liverpool is not keen to part with Gakpo. He remains one of the squad's few established forwards, and his proven reliability in the Premier League is invaluable. Losing both Gakpo and Salah in the same transfer window would significantly impact Liverpool's attacking depth, especially with Ekitike's recovery from injury still ongoing.
Tottenham's Attraction
For Tottenham, Gakpo's combination of reliability and multi-positional value is a significant draw. While his seven league goals may not be eye-catching, the underlying metrics showcase a player who consistently generates chances, gets into dangerous positions, and offers tactical flexibility. De Zerbi's interest in Gakpo is well-founded, and the data provides a compelling case for his potential impact at Spurs.
In conclusion, Cody Gakpo's profile as a forward with exceptional attacking and defensive qualities, coupled with his proven track record in the Premier League, makes him an attractive target for Tottenham. Whether Spurs can secure his services remains to be seen, but his potential impact on the team is undeniable.
