Cody Gakpo's underlying numbers from the 2025-26 Premier League season suggest Tottenham Hotspur may be onto something in their reported pursuit of the Liverpool forward, even though his output on the scoresheet did little to grab headlines.
Gakpo netted just seven league goals last season, his lowest tally in a full campaign since joining Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023. That figure arrived during a difficult year for the Reds collectively, who finished fifth in the Premier League as they defended their title. Yet a closer look at the data behind his performances paints a picture of a player who remained among the most productive wide forwards in Europe's top five leagues.
Only seven wingers across those leagues averaged more touches in the opposition box than Gakpo's 2.2 per 90 minutes, and he sat inside the top 10 for both open-play shots and chances created. In percentile terms relative to positional peers, he ranked in the 98th percentile for shot frequency, 96th for advanced involvement and 91st for box threat - numbers that point to a player consistently finding himself in dangerous attacking areas.
Much of that stems from his tendency to run in behind opposing defences. Gakpo was flagged offside 30 times in the Premier League last season, more than any other player, a statistic that reflects his eagerness to time runs beyond the last line rather than simply receive possession in more static positions. When in form, he is known for attacking the back post and arriving centrally in the box despite operating from the left flank - a trait that helped him score 18 goals in all competitions during Liverpool's title-winning 2024-25 campaign.
When measured against Tottenham's current forward options, Gakpo's statistical superiority becomes even clearer. His expected-goals total of 8.59, along with 87 shots, five assists and 10 big chances created, outstripped every Spurs attacker last season. Richarlison scored more league goals than Gakpo but managed 26 fewer shot attempts and created only half as many big chances. Dominic Solanke, hampered by injury, mustered just 20 shots and a single big chance created, while Mathys Tel also fell behind Gakpo across several key metrics. Randal Kolo Muani, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham before moving to Juventus, similarly trailed the Dutchman's numbers.
Gakpo's penalty-area involvement further separates him from Spurs' options, registering 187 touches in the box compared with 125 for Richarlison, 68 for Tel and 55 for Solanke. His expected assists from open play, at 4.17, was also the highest of the group, highlighting his dual threat as both scorer and creator.
There is defensive substance to his game as well. Gakpo won back possession 87 times last season, including 45 recoveries in the middle third, and made 13 interceptions - all figures ahead of Richarlison, Tel and Solanke. Tel edged him in completed dribbles, 39 to 34, though Gakpo's success rate of 45.95% was marginally superior.
Standing at 6ft 4in, Gakpo also brings physical presence rarely found among wide players, ranking in the 96th percentile for aerial duels contested compared to positional peers - a trait that could offer Thomas Frank's successor Roberto De Zerbi another attacking avenue against compact defences through crosses and diagonal balls.
Since November 2024, only Mohamed Salah has scored more Premier League goals for Liverpool than Gakpo's 17 in that span, and only Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai have more assists. That consistency, allied with his versatility across the front line, explains Liverpool's reluctance to sell, particularly with Salah's future also uncertain and Diogo Jota's absence still felt within the squad. Whether Tottenham can convince Liverpool to part with one of their most reliable attacking assets remains uncertain, but the statistical case for their interest is a strong one.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.