Latest news with #CodyGakpo
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cody Gakpo: ‘If I want to keep growing in football, I've got to keep my mind open'
It's a big week for Cody Gakpo and there is a lot on his mind. On Sunday, Liverpool will lift the Premier League title at Anfield, the culmination of a season's work that will result in a party that's been 35 years in the making. It will last all night long, into the next day when hundreds of thousands of supporters, from around the country and across the world, will congregate to light the city red and experience the title parade. Gakpo has seen the clips from 2019, when Liverpool won the Champions League. 'I'm expecting a lot,' he smiles. 'These will be memories for a lifetime.' Gakpo has made his mark on a historic season, as Liverpool moved level with Manchester United by winning a record 20th league title. His biggest moment, at least in terms of wider significance, came on the day they were finally crowned champions, when the Dutch forward scored in the 5-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield. Spurs had not followed the script by taking the lead in front of the Kop; Gakpo helped Liverpool back on track by adding their third, as the tension eased away and the celebrations could begin. Gakpo knew what he wanted to do in that moment, too, as we will get onto. Advertisement At 26, Gakpo already has a clear sense of what he wants to achieve, and believes that his ambition shouldn't be confined to the pitch. As a player, he will tell you it's about maximising his chance so the world sits up and takes notice. 'It's to become the best version of myself,' he says. 'But I think at the end, as a person, that's the most important.' Is there a responsibility for players to make an impact in that way? 'With success, it's how can I make the right moves in my life to help other people,' Gakpo says. 'That's the biggest dream I have.' Looking ahead: Cody Gakpo wants to leave his mark after making history with Liverpool (Koby Abbott) We are several floors up overlooking London's Hyde Park, which appears from here to stretch into the distance like an ancient forest, sprawling untouched until reaching the city skyline. Gakpo was having a French lesson before he arrived. He says the lessons are going well, or ca va bien, with his Liverpool team-mate Ibrahima Konate helping with the occasional conversation at training. The motivation for learning is easy for him to explain. Gakpo's father is originally from Togo and he visits the country every summer, with his next trip planned after the end season. He still has aunties, uncles and cousins there, and is involved in delivering weekly food packages to communities in need. Learning the language is a way of deepening the connection to his father and his extended family, but he also wants to have authentic interactions with the people there when he visits, on his own, and without a translator alongside. Advertisement Gakpo comes from a multicultural background. His mother is Dutch, and played rugby internationally for the Netherlands, although she never managed to convince any of her sons to take up the sport instead of football. 'She was a teacher,' Gakpo says. 'She helped us a lot doing things for school, but also with the sports side, she was supporting us, coming to the games together with my father. Having a background in sports, she understood.' His parents met when his mum was travelling through Togo with friends and stopped into a sports bar. His father was there too and it set Gakpo on his path. 'I don't know what she was doing there, but she was traveling the world,' Gakpo grins. 'So I'm very grateful she went on that trip.' An earlier downpour has cleansed the afternoon of its clammy, mid-May warmth and released a new freshness into the day. Down below, there is the noise of the street and the rumbling traffic, a reminder of the city. Even up high, a passing siren is piercing and Gakpo almost tuts. 'London is too busy for me,' he says, glancing down at the interruption. Cody Gakpo is enjoying his football under Arne Slot (Koby Abbott) Liverpool, though, feels like home already. He knew he was taking a leap when he left his hometown club PSV Eindhoven to join one of the world's biggest teams in December 2022, but he feels there are similarities between where he left and what he found. 'It's a very warm club with a family bond,' Gakpo says. 'I sensed that from the moment I arrived.' Liverpool is also where his one-year-son, Samuel, was born. Advertisement It helped, too, that Virgil van Dijk, the Netherlands captain, was there when Gakpo joined. Now, the Dutch influence runs through the Premier League champions, not just in Gakpo, Van Dijk and midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, but head coach Arne Slot and members of his coaching staff. 'It's a big honour for us that we as Dutch people can represent the club and achieve the title; but we want to achieve so much more and, and we leave our footprint as Dutch people.' Gakpo is open about the importance of his Christian faith and he believes it helps him daily and in almost every situation in his life. He believes, too, that it has led him to where he is today. So when Liverpool played at Anfield knowing they could win the Premier League title, Gakpo decided he wanted to show his gratitude. When he scored, he took off his shirt to reveal the message 'I Belong to Jesus' printed across a white sleeveless tee. 'Everything we have, me and my family, is because of God,' he says. 'The way my path was created, I have to be grateful for that.' Cody Gakpo unveiled a 'I belong to Jesus' t-shirt at Anfield (Getty Images) Cody Gakpo celebrates winning the title with Virgil van Dijk (PA Wire) After the Tottenham game, Gakpo received a warning from the Football Association, reminding him of the rules regarding the displaying of religious messages. He also received a message from former Brazil and AC Milan great Kaka, who unveiled the same slogan after the 2007 Champions League final. 'He saw it,' Gakpo confirms. 'On a big occasion like that, the game we can become champion, I think it was a good platform to give thanks and to be grateful for what we have.' Advertisement Another goal on Sunday would bring more cause for gratitude, and celebration alongside Liverpool's title party. Gakpo has scored in 10 consecutive starts at Anfield, becoming just the second player in the club's history to do so. He's in good company, too. 'Everybody knows Mo [Salah] has almost all the records,' Gakpo says. 'To share one with him is amazing.' Salah's crosses and creativity from the right have led to many a goal for Gakpo on the left this season. He sees the Egyptian's evolution as an attacker as motivation to keep improving. 'I speak with Mo quite often, about football, about life,' Gakpo says. 'He also says the mental part of the player is the most important, and, if you want to keep growing in football, in life, you also have to keep the mind open for learning other things, and, I think it starts with that.' Cody Gakpo has thrived under Arne Slot (Koby Abbott) With that in mind, there are mixed feelings about the departure of another reliable creator of Gakpo goals: Trent Alexander-Arnold. Like his Liverpool team-mates, Gakpo is sad to see the right-back leave but understands the decision to challenge himself elsewhere. 'It's a pity because everyone knows his quality, he's a special player,' Gakpo says. 'At the same time, we only play football for 20 years, so you might want to do what feels good for you, to go and challenge yourself out of your comfort zone.' Advertisement Were the boos Alexander-Arnold received from some Liverpool fans when he came off the bench against Arsenal upsetting to hear? 'I think for everything he has done for the club, I think he deserves nothing but love,' Gakpo says. 'I cannot say how people should react on the news they got but in my opinion he deserves nothing but love for what he did. He will be missed.' In the corner of the room overlooking the city is a Ritter grand piano. Gakpo is drawn to it, tapping the first line of Fur Elise on the keys while leading over the open top to watch the strings play. His actual hidden talent, he then reveals, is sketching, taking out his phone to present delicately shaded drawings of a martini glass and wine bottle, an intricate activity that helps his mind to decompress. Other than football and family, he often thinks about his post-playing career, even at this early stage. Cody Gakpo has scored in 10 consecutive starts at Anfield for Liverpool (Koby Abbott) 'Your career is not as long as everybody thinks it is,' Gakpo says. 'Then you have a whole life in front of you.' Investing his time and resources, in new ideas and alongside talented people and helping them grow, is an idea that appeals, and Gakpo has already joined a sporting investment group that has the likes of England rugby captain Maro Itoje and McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris on board. 'Obviously I have experiences in some things they don't have and they have experiences in life which I don't have,' Gakpo explains. 'I think that's also a big thing for me: you can exchange lessons, and you can grow.'
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Cody Gakpo vs. Crystal Palace – Player props & odds to score a goal on May 25
Cody Gakpo vs. Crystal Palace – Player props & odds to score a goal on May 25 [gambcom-standard rankid="4130" ] Will Cody Gakpo find the back of the net when Liverpool FC plays Crystal Palace on Sunday, May 25 at 11:00 AM ET? For current stats and anytime goalscorer odds, keep scrolling. Liverpool took on Brighton & Hove Albion away from home in its last match and fell short by a final score of 3-2. It was outshot by eight in the match, 25 to 17. Want to watch Cody Gakpo take on Crystal Palace? Liverpool FC vs. Crystal Palace is streaming live on Fubo! Cody Gakpo's Odds to Score a Goal vs. Crystal Palace Odds to score a goal next game: +155 Soccer player prop odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Saturday at 6:40 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. [gambcom-standard rankid="4142" ] Cody Gakpo's 2024-25 Stats This season, he has found the back of the net in nine matches (out of 34 played). Looking at expected goals, Gakpo (0.8 xG) is 9.2 below his actual goal tally (10). In 34 games this season, he has recorded an assist in three of them. Thus far in the 2024-25 season, he has attempted 48 shots, averaging 1.4 per game. Liverpool FC vs. Crystal Palace Scoring Insights Liverpool is first in the Premier League in goals scored (85 overall, 2.3 per game), and Crystal Palace is 10th in goals conceded (50 overall, 1.4 per game). Crystal Palace is 14th in the Premier League in goals scored (50 overall, 1.4 per game), and Liverpool is second in goals conceded (40 overall, 1.1 per game). With 85 goals scored and 40 allowed, Liverpool is first in the Premier League in goal differential. Crystal Palace is 13th in the Premier League in goal differential at 0. Liverpool FC vs. Crystal Palace Match Info Matchup: Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace Time: 11:00 AM ET 11:00 AM ET Date: May 25, 2025 May 25, 2025 Venue: Anfield Anfield Live stream: Watch this game on Fubo Watch Liverpool FC vs. Crystal Palace on Fubo More Player Props: [gambcom-standard rankid="4338" ]
The Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Cody Gakpo: ‘If I want to keep growing in football, I've got to keep my mind open'
It's a big week for Cody Gakpo and there is a lot on his mind. On Sunday, Liverpool will lift the Premier League title at Anfield, the culmination of a season's work that will result in a party that's been 35 years in the making. It will last all night long, into the next day when hundreds of thousands of supporters, from around the country and across the world, will congregate to light the city red and experience the title parade. Gakpo has seen the clips from 2019, when Liverpool won the Champions League. 'I'm expecting a lot,' he smiles. 'These will be memories for a lifetime.' Gakpo has made his mark on a historic season, as Liverpool moved level with Manchester United by winning a record 20th league title. His biggest moment, at least in terms of wider significance, came on the day they were finally crowned champions, when the Dutch forward scored in the 5-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield. Spurs had not followed the script by taking the lead in front of the Kop; Gakpo helped Liverpool back on track by adding their third, as the tension eased away and the celebrations could begin. Gakpo knew what he wanted to do in that moment, too, as we will get onto. At 26, Gakpo already has a clear sense of what he wants to achieve, and believes that his ambition shouldn't be confined to the pitch. As a player, he will tell you it's about maximising his chance so the world sits up and takes notice. 'It's to become the best version of myself,' he says. 'But I think at the end, as a person, that's the most important.' Is there a responsibility for players to make an impact in that way? 'With success, it's how can I make the right moves in my life to help other people,' Gakpo says. 'That's the biggest dream I have.' We are several floors up overlooking London's Hyde Park, which appears from here to stretch into the distance like an ancient forest, sprawling untouched until reaching the city skyline. Gakpo was having a French lesson before he arrived. He says the lessons are going well, or ca va bien, with his Liverpool team-mate Ibrahima Konate helping with the occasional conversation at training. The motivation for learning is easy for him to explain. Gakpo's father is originally from Togo and he visits the country every summer, with his next trip planned after the end season. He still has aunties, uncles and cousins there, and is involved in delivering weekly food packages to communities in need. Learning the language is a way of deepening the connection to his father and his extended family, but he also wants to have authentic interactions with the people there when he visits, on his own, and without a translator alongside. Gakpo comes from a multicultural background. His mother is Dutch, and played rugby internationally for the Netherlands, although she never managed to convince any of her sons to take up the sport instead of football. 'She was a teacher,' Gakpo says. 'She helped us a lot doing things for school, but also with the sports side, she was supporting us, coming to the games together with my father. Having a background in sports, she understood.' His parents met when his mum was travelling through Togo with friends and stopped into a sports bar. His father was there too and it set Gakpo on his path. 'I don't know what she was doing there, but she was traveling the world,' Gakpo grins. 'So I'm very grateful she went on that trip.' An earlier downpour has cleansed the afternoon of its clammy, mid-May warmth and released a new freshness into the day. Down below, there is the noise of the street and the rumbling traffic, a reminder of the city. Even up high, a passing siren is piercing and Gakpo almost tuts. 'London is too busy for me,' he says, glancing down at the interruption. Liverpool, though, feels like home already. He knew he was taking a leap when he left his hometown club PSV Eindhoven to join one of the world's biggest teams in December 2022, but he feels there are similarities between where he left and what he found. 'It's a very warm club with a family bond,' Gakpo says. 'I sensed that from the moment I arrived.' Liverpool is also where his one-year-son, Samuel, was born. It helped, too, that Virgil van Dijk, the Netherlands captain, was there when Gakpo joined. Now, the Dutch influence runs through the Premier League champions, not just in Gakpo, Van Dijk and midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, but head coach Arne Slot and members of his coaching staff. 'It's a big honour for us that we as Dutch people can represent the club and achieve the title; but we want to achieve so much more and, and we leave our footprint as Dutch people.' Gakpo is open about the importance of his Christian faith and he believes it helps him daily and in almost every situation in his life. He believes, too, that it has led him to where he is today. So when Liverpool played at Anfield knowing they could win the Premier League title, Gakpo decided he wanted to show his gratitude. When he scored, he took off his shirt to reveal the message 'I Belong to Jesus' printed across a white sleeveless tee. 'Everything we have, me and my family, is because of God,' he says. 'The way my path was created, I have to be grateful for that.' After the Tottenham game, Gakpo received a warning from the Football Association, reminding him of the rules regarding the displaying of religious messages. He also received a message from former Brazil and AC Milan great Kaka, who unveiled the same slogan after the 2007 Champions League final. 'He saw it,' Gakpo confirms. 'On a big occasion like that, the game we can become champion, I think it was a good platform to give thanks and to be grateful for what we have.' Another goal on Sunday would bring more cause for gratitude, and celebration alongside Liverpool's title party. Gakpo has scored in 10 consecutive starts at Anfield, becoming just the second player in the club's history to do so. He's in good company, too. 'Everybody knows Mo [Salah] has almost all the records,' Gakpo says. 'To share one with him is amazing.' Salah's crosses and creativity from the right have led to many a goal for Gakpo on the left this season. He sees the Egyptian's evolution as an attacker as motivation to keep improving. 'I speak with Mo quite often, about football, about life,' Gakpo says. 'He also says the mental part of the player is the most important, and, if you want to keep growing in football, in life, you also have to keep the mind open for learning other things, and, I think it starts with that.' With that in mind, there are mixed feelings about the departure of another reliable creator of Gakpo goals: Trent Alexander-Arnold. Like his Liverpool team-mates, Gakpo is sad to see the right-back leave but understands the decision to challenge himself elsewhere. 'It's a pity because everyone knows his quality, he's a special player,' Gakpo says. 'At the same time, we only play football for 20 years, so you might want to do what feels good for you, to go and challenge yourself out of your comfort zone.' Were the boos Alexander-Arnold received from some Liverpool fans when he came off the bench against Arsenal upsetting to hear? 'I think for everything he has done for the club, I think he deserves nothing but love,' Gakpo says. 'I cannot say how people should react on the news they got but in my opinion he deserves nothing but love for what he did. He will be missed.' In the corner of the room overlooking the city is a Ritter grand piano. Gakpo is drawn to it, tapping the first line of Fur Elise on the keys while leading over the open top to watch the strings play. His actual hidden talent, he then reveals, is sketching, taking out his phone to present delicately shaded drawings of a martini glass and wine bottle, an intricate activity that helps his mind to decompress. Other than football and family, he often thinks about his post-playing career, even at this early stage. 'Your career is not as long as everybody thinks it is,' Gakpo says. 'Then you have a whole life in front of you.' Investing his time and resources, in new ideas and alongside talented people and helping them grow, is an idea that appeals, and Gakpo has already joined a sporting investment group that has the likes of England rugby captain Maro Itoje and McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris on board. 'Obviously I have experiences in some things they don't have and they have experiences in life which I don't have,' Gakpo explains. 'I think that's also a big thing for me: you can exchange lessons, and you can grow.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
James Pearce: Bradley Backed, Frimpong Lands
Liverpool's Summer Rebuild Begins with Purpose and Precision Momentum from a Position of Power Liverpool's late-season drift—three matches, one point, eight goals conceded—might once have caused anxiety. Not this time. A 12-point cushion atop the Premier League is more than enough insulation. Arne Slot has wisely chosen to rest key players and test fringe options rather than exhaust his title-winning squad. The Dutchman, as James Pearce notes in The Athletic, is already shifting gears towards the future. Advertisement This summer isn't reactive—it's proactive. Where last year's window felt panicked and piecemeal, this one is already mapped and moving. 'I think we can find one or two extra weapons that this team doesn't have,' Slot said recently. Those weapons are being identified and acquired early, a clear sign of a club operating from a position of strength. Frimpong Signing Signals Evolution The headliner so far is Jeremie Frimpong. Secured for around £30 million from Bayer Leverkusen, the flying Dutchman represents more than a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold—he is an evolution. A rapid, versatile, attacking threat with 74 goal contributions in 190 games, Frimpong's arrival addresses multiple tactical needs. His adaptability is key. With Mohamed Salah away for the Africa Cup of Nations this winter, Frimpong's ability to operate further forward could prove invaluable. 'He's got blistering pace and he's versatile,' Pearce reports. His pre-existing bond with Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch, and Virgil van Dijk should ease his transition. And while his defensive qualities are still a work-in-progress, Slot's track record suggests confidence is well-placed. Youth Given Path to Shine If Frimpong is the marquee signing, Conor Bradley is the local heartbeat. Rewarded with a new four-year contract, the 20-year-old academy graduate has the trust of the coaching staff. His assist for Harvey Elliott's goal at Brighton was another reminder of his growth and confidence. 'He's so positive and direct,' writes Pearce, and Liverpool's willingness to back him speaks volumes about their internal succession planning. Photo IMAGO This blend of star recruitment and homegrown investment is textbook Liverpool. With long-term decisions already made on Alexander-Arnold's departure, Hughes and Slot aren't scrambling—they're steering. More Moves on the Horizon Liverpool's ambition doesn't stop with Frimpong. As Pearce mentions in his piece Milos Kerkez is on the radar, though Bournemouth's valuation may prove an obstacle. Ajax's Jorrel Hato, capable of playing centre-back and left-back, represents a tempting alternative. Florian Wirtz is also admired, though Bayern Munich's interest complicates matters. Advertisement Still, this is a Liverpool team with a clear strategy. Retaining Salah, Van Dijk and Bradley, landing Frimpong, and planning future moves—it's a sharp contrast to the chaos of previous windows. Even with a few loose ends to tie, the message is clear: Liverpool are not standing still. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis Liverpool supporters will be heartened by the efficiency and clarity with which the club is approaching this transfer window. The end-of-season slump is entirely understandable, but the urgency behind the scenes suggests no one is satisfied with just one title. Slot and Hughes have been deliberate and strategic, addressing key gaps early. Frimpong's arrival is exciting, especially considering how often Liverpool have lacked depth or adaptability on the right side when Salah has been absent. Fans will also appreciate the renewed faith in Conor Bradley—a young player who has consistently impressed when given the opportunity. Advertisement The lingering concerns around Chiesa and Nunez may result in summer departures, but few would argue with that if reinforcements arrive swiftly. There's also something quietly reassuring in Liverpool's reported interest in Kerkez, Hato, and Wirtz. These are ambitious targets, and while not all may land, it's proof of a club still striving. There's cautious optimism among the fanbase. Titles are celebrated, but dynasties are built on what comes next. With this kind of planning, Liverpool appear determined to make this era one of sustained success.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Gakpo makes Frimpong feelings clear ahead of Liverpool completing transfer
Cody Gakpo will soon be joined at Anfield by his Netherlands international team-mate Jeremie Frimpong, and it is clear that the forward is a big fan of his compatriot Cody Gakpo has claimed his future Liverpool team-mate Jeremie Frimpong is Dutch, English and ' a very good player'. The new champions have activated the £29.5m buyout clause for the Bayer Leverkusen right-back as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Frimpong, who can also play on the wing, is a former Manchester City trainee who played for Celtic and won the German double last season with Bayer Leverkusen. The Anfield club already has a strong Dutch contingent with manager Arne Slot, captain Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch. Liverpool have yet to confirm Frimpong's signing but Gakpo said: 'We have a lot of Dutch players now in the Premier League and I think everybody is doing very well, so yes, hopefully we can continue. Could there soon be four at Anfield with Frimpong? "Maybe, I don't know yet. Maybe you know more than me! But yes, obviously another Dutchman, English as well, but a very good guy. We know him from the national team and a very good player as well so let's see if he comes or not.' Liverpool have taken only one point from three games since sealing their 20th league title after the 3-2 defeat at Brighton. But the Reds now have the chance to finish a famous season on a high note by beating FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Anfield on Sunday before the trophy presentation and then the parade on Bank Holiday Monday. 'We will be very motivated to win, I think,' added Gakpo. 'Even against Brighton we were very motivated to try and win this game and obviously the last game of the season, at home in front of our own fans we want to win and end on a high with a good feeling, lifting the trophy. That's hopefully what we will do. 'I think the people around here explained to us how the trophy parade was before and it was crazy, let me say it like that, so we are very curious to see what will happen.'
