Why Tottenham want Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo

Gakpo finished last season with a higher expected-goals total (8.59), more shots (87), more assists (five) and more big chances created (10) than any of Spurs’ forward options, despite playing in a Liverpool side whose Premier League title defence ended with a fifth-place finish.

Richarlison scored more league goals, but attempted 26 fewer shots and created only half as many big chances. Solanke, limited by injury, produced just 20 shots and one big chance created, while Tel also fell short across several of the key attacking measures. Randal Kolo Muani, who spent last season on loan at Spurs before joining Juventus this summer, likewise trailed Gakpo’s output.

The contrast extends beyond goals and shooting. Gakpo recorded 187 touches in the opposition penalty area, compared with 125 for Richarlison, 68 for Tel and 55 for Solanke. His 4.17 expected assists from open play was also comfortably the highest figure among the four, underlining his ability to create chances as well as find scoring positions himself.

He offers defensive value too. Gakpo regained possession 87 times, including 45 in the middle third, and made 13 interceptions. All three totals were higher than those recorded by Richarlison, Tel and Solanke. Tel completed more dribbles, with 39 to Gakpo’s 34, although Gakpo posted the slightly better success rate at 45.95%.

His broader profile reflects that breadth. Gakpo ranks in the 78th percentile for link-up play, the 75th for pass progression and the 67th for creative threat, illustrating his comfort combining in tight spaces and contributing to build-up play.

At 6ft 4in, he also provides a physical presence uncommon among wide forwards. Gakpo ranks in the 96th percentile for aerial volume compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, meaning only about 4% of wingers contest aerial balls at a higher rate. That would give De Zerbi another route against deep defensive blocks, through diagonal passes, back-post crosses or more direct balls when opponents restrict Spurs’ build-up play.