Comparing Cody Gakpo 2022-23 stats to Liverpool's forwards

Gakpo has established a reputation as one of the promising young forwards in European football, and it's long been evident that he was destined for a big move following his form at PSV.

Leeds United and Southampton reportedly came close to signing the 23-year-old attacker in the summer, but the player himself decided to stay put at the Eredivisie club.

That decision has been vindicated, with a number of top-level clubs – most notably Liverpool's old rivals Manchester United – chasing his signature. But Liverpool appear to have won the race, with PSV announcing that they have accepted a bid.

"The 23-year-old attacker will leave for England imminently, where he will be subjected to the necessary formalities ahead of the completion of the transfer," announced the Dutch giants.

Gakpo has been in sensational form this season, with 13 goals and 14 assists for his club in all competitions.

He's since gone on to catch the wider world's attention with some superb finishing in the Netherlands' World Cup campaign, having scored in each of their group-stage outings.

Liverpool are relatively well-stocked when it comes to their forward options, but they could certainly do with another option. Roberto Firmino is out of contract in the summer and may depart Anfield after eight years of service. Diogo Jota has struggled with injuries and has barely played, while Luis Diaz is sidelined until March.

But how does Gakpo stack up against the forwards in Liverpool's squad? We've taken a look at his Eredivisie numbers this season and compared them with the Premier League output of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.

Goals

Cody Gakpo – 9
Mohamed Salah – 7
Roberto Firmino – 7
Darwin Nunez – 5
Luis Diaz – 3
Diogo Jota – 0

Assists

Cody Gakpo – 12
Mohamed Salah – 4
Roberto Firmino – 3
Darwin Nunez – 2
Luis Diaz – 2
Diogo Jota – 1

Minutes per goal

Cody Gakpo – 125.2
Roberto Firmino – 133.8
Darwin Nunez – 138.8
Mohamed Salah – 189.8
Luis Diaz – 205
Diogo Jota – N/A

Minutes per goal or assist

Cody Gakpo – 53.6
Roberto Firmino – 93.7
Darwin Nunez – 99.1
Mohamed Salah – 120.8
Luis Diaz – 123
Diogo Jota – 197

Chances created per 90 minutes

Cody Gakpo – 4.7
Diogo Jota – 3.2
Mohamed Salah – 2.2
Darwin Nunez – 1.8
Roberto Firmino – 1.6
Luis Diaz – 0.9

Successful dribbles per 90 minutes

Cody Gakpo – 2.1 (41%)
Luis Diaz – 2.0 (47.6%)
Mohamed Salah – 1.1 (30.6%)
Diogo Jota – 0.9 (24.3%)
Roberto Firmino – 0.7 (50%)
Darwin Nunez – 0.5 (35.7%)

Passes per 90 minutes (passing accuracy)

Roberto Firmino – 40.4 (79.6%)
Luis Diaz – 36.1 (81%)
Cody Gakpo – 28.9 (76.5%)
Diogo Jota – 27.9 (60.7%)
Mohamed Salah – 26 (76.8%)
Darwin Nunez – 19.2 (70.9%)

Shots per 90 minutes (inside penalty area)

Darwin Nunez – 5.8 (3.8)
Cody Gakpo – 4.1 (3.1)
Mohamed Salah – 3.6 (2.6)
Roberto Firmino – 3.2 (2.3)
Luis Diaz – 2.3 (1.8)
Diogo Jota – 1.4 (1.4)