"Literally playing like 2012 Ronaldo", "Unreal footballer" - Fans laud Liverpool superstar for his performance in 5-1 win over West Ham
Liverpool fans on X have waxed lyrical about Cody Gakpo after he scored a late brace to help the Reds defeat West Ham United 5-1 in their EFL Cup clash on Wednesday, September 25. The Merseysiders came from behind at Anfield to progress to the fourth round.
Gakpo completed 30 out of his 32 passes with an accuracy of 94 percent, created three chances, and landed four out of his six shots on target. In addition, the winger completed all three of his long balls, scored a late brace with a pair of exceptional strikes, and completed both his dribbles.
The 25-year-old made just his second start of the season across all competitions, having fallen behind Luis Diaz in the pecking order under Arne Slot. However, he has now garnered two goals and one assist in seven appearances in total.
Despite this, one fan believes Gakpo has been operating at the same level as the 2012 version of Cristiano Ronaldo since June, posting:
"Gakpo’s literally playing like 2012 Ronaldo since June."
Another fan tweeted:
"That’s an absolutely class game of football from Cody Gakpo, well rounded off with a goal. Unreal footballer."
Check out how other fans reacted below:
"Gakpo is easily a 15+ goal player if he had consistent minutes," one fan insisted.
"Cody Gakpo with his typical cutting inside and power shot near post. Incredible player. We are so blessed with our forward options," one fan commented.
"I cannot believe we had Cody Gakpo playing in midfield and through the middle last season. He’s so clearly a left winger. He’s electric there," another added.
"Slot’s got a problem you know, Gakpo’s class from the Left Wing, but Diaz is in the form of his life in the same position," one fan pointed out.
"Gakpo’s best form at Liverpool coinciding with Diaz’s best form since he joined as well is cruel luck for him. He’d literally start for every single other team in the Premier League right now," another chimed in.
Liverpool cruise to 5-1 win against West Ham in EFL Cup clash
Liverpool's brilliant start under Arne Slot continued as they dismantled West Ham United with an emphatic 5-1 win in the third round of the EFL Cup.
The Hammers took the lead in the 21st minute after Jarell Quansah turned the ball into the back of his own net following a corner. Liverpool leveled the scores four minutes later via Diogo Jota's towering header before the Portugal international made it 2-1 with a good finish in the 49th minute.
Mohamed Salah came off the bench to add to the Reds' advantage in the 74th minute. West Ham were then dealt a massive blow two minutes later when Edson Alvarez was given his second yellow card for a poor foul on Salah. Liverpool took full advantage of this with Cody Gakpo scoring twice (90', 90+3') to seal a 5-1 win.
Despite most of Liverpool's main players being afforded a rest, they dominated the stat line too - maintaining 61 percent possession with 21 shots in total (11 on target). Meanwhile, West Ham had 39 percent possession and landed 12 shots in total, with just three being on target.