Cody Gakpo's Trophy Quest

Cody Gakpo is on a quest to replicate his previous success, this time donning the Liverpool jersey. The Dutch winger played a pivotal role in securing the KNVB Cup for PSV Eindhoven during the thrilling 2021-22 final against AFC Ajax, netting a second-half winner in a match that also saw future Liverpool teammate Ryan Gravenberch score.

Trophy Taste and Final Memories

After helping Liverpool secure the Carabao Cup last season in a memorable fashion, Gakpo has developed a taste for silverware and is eager for another chance to add to his trophy collection. Reflecting on his time at PSV, he shared, “I did it once at PSV, so hopefully I can do it again at Liverpool.” He vividly remembers the exhilarating feeling of scoring in a final, calling it “the best feeling you can have as an attacking player.”

Significance of Last Season's Victory

Last season's victory, thanks to a last-minute header by Virgil van Dijk, remains etched in his memory. Gakpo shared how that moment, celebrated with the fans, is something every player cherishes for the rest of their career. As Liverpool prepares for another final, Gakpo recognizes this match as an opportunity to kickstart a successful season.

Gakpo's Current Form and Team Dynamics

Currently, Gakpo stands as a crucial element in Liverpool's journey within the League Cup, having scored a team-high five goals in the competition. Uniquely positioned to start every match in the tournament, his impressive performance is a testament to his importance in the squad. He credits the recent tactical shift under coach Arne Slot for allowing him to thrive on the left-wing, a position he feels more comfortable in.

Gratitude Towards Management

Gakpo expressed gratitude towards his manager for the support he’s receiving in honing his skills, mentioning, “He’s helping me a lot. The manager and the staff are trying to help everybody develop.” He believes that the ongoing development of the entire team bodes well for their upcoming challenges.

Looking Ahead to the Final

Looking ahead, Liverpool's opponent in the final will be Newcastle, who are on the hunt for their first significant domestic title since 1955. Gakpo is aware of the threat Newcastle poses, especially after defeating them 2-0 in their recent Premier League encounter, with goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.

Gakpo's Final Thoughts

With their sights set on clinching a record-extending 11th League Cup, Gakpo assessed Newcastle as a formidable opponent, highlighting the strengths of their players, including striker Alexander Isak, who has been scoring consistently. He concluded, "Hopefully it's going to be a very nice final to watch and hopefully we win at the end," emphasizing the excitement and anticipation surrounding this pivotal match.

Conclusion: All Eyes on Anfield

As the stage is set for yet another thrilling cup final, all eyes will be on Gakpo and his teammates as they strive to make history at Anfield once again. Will Gakpo’s ambitions lead Liverpool to glory? Only time will tell!