During the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, Cody Gakpo was responsible for 41.2% of the Netherlands' final-third entries. According to reports from the Mirror, Gakpo has made himself available for the knockout clash against Morocco despite the recent tragic loss of his newborn son. His availability anchors Ronald Koeman's entire tactical structure for the knockout rounds.

His progressive carrying distance of 284 yards per 90 minutes ranks in the 94th percentile of all wingers in the tournament. Without him, the Dutch attack loses its primary transition threat and its most reliable outlet for escaping pressure. The numbers show why he is non-negotiable for the national team's offensive mechanics.

This tournament reliance is a continuation of his performance at Euro 2024, where he co-led all scorers with three goals. In that tournament, he registered an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.14 from just 11 shots. He showed an elite conversion rate, translating low-probability chances from the left half-space into decisive goals.

The Contrast: Club Rotation vs. Oranje Focus

His international efficiency stands in stark contrast to his usage at Liverpool. Under Arne Slot, Gakpo is often a rotational utility player, splitting time between the left wing and the central forward position. During the 2025/26 Premier League season, he accumulated 1,620 minutes across 18 starts and 14 substitute appearances, returning eight goals and four assists.

For the Netherlands, Koeman deploys him strictly as a left-sided inside forward in a fluid 4-3-3. This positional clarity allows Gakpo to exploit the seam between the opposition's right-back and right-sided center-back. His average position map shows him receiving the ball 15 yards wider than he does at club level.

The Left-Sided Runway

This wider positioning gives him the runway needed to build momentum. In the group stage, Gakpo received 8.4 progressive passes per 90 minutes, compared to just 5.2 per 90 at Anfield. When he receives the ball in these areas, he attempts 6.1 dribbles per 90, completing 54.1% of them.

Here is a summary of Gakpo's core tactical profile for the Netherlands during the current World Cup cycle:

  • Progressive carrying distance: 284 yards per 90 minutes
  • Dribble success rate: 54.1%
  • Shot-creating actions: 4.8 per 90 minutes
This high volume of direct duels forces opposing defensive lines to tilt toward his flank.

That shifting movement opens space for central runners and weak-side wingers to exploit. It makes the Dutch offense far more dynamic than the rigid structures seen in their domestic leagues. Gakpo's gravity on the left is the catalyst for the entire system.

By contrast, his Liverpool starts often see him isolated inside the penalty box, starved of service. When deployed centrally, his progressive carries drop to a meager 92 yards per 90 minutes. This positional mismatch highlights why Koeman's system is far better suited to Gakpo's natural profile.

The Moroccan Mid-Block and the Hakimi Space

Morocco's defensive structure will present a stern test for this left-sided overload. The North African side conceded only two goals in the group stage, maintaining a compact 4-1-4-1 block that limits space between the lines. Their defensive line sits deep, allowing an average of only 8.3 passes per defensive action (PPDA) in their own half.

Against such a block, Gakpo's ability to create shot opportunities from static positions is key. He averages 4.8 shot-creating actions (SCA) per 90 minutes in an Oranje shirt. The data shows that 73% of his inward carries result in either a shot or a pass into the penalty box.

There is a common criticism that Gakpo can become isolated when opponents double-team him on the flank. In the Dutch team's last meeting with a low blockโ€”a 1-1 draw against Poland in the warm-up fixturesโ€”Gakpo was limited to just 22 touches in the opponent's half. The Polish defenders pinched him against the touchline, neutralizing his carrying ability.

To counter this, Koeman must adjust Nathan Ake's positioning to offer underlapping runs. When Ake makes decoy runs into the half-space, he drags the opposing winger inside. This movement leaves Gakpo in isolated 1v1 situations against the fullback, a pattern that generated three distinct shooting opportunities in the group stage win over Peru.

Exploiting the Hakimi Flank

Morocco's right-back, Achraf Hakimi, is one of the most attack-minded defenders in world football. Hakimi's frequent forward surges will test Gakpo's defensive discipline. But they also present a golden opportunity on the counter-attack.

If Gakpo can exploit the space vacated by Hakimi, the Netherlands can bypass the Moroccan mid-block entirely. The data from Morocco's group stage matches indicates that they allowed 45% of opponent transitions to come down their right flank. This asymmetry in their defensive structure is a direct consequence of Hakimi's high positioning.

Gakpo's speed on the break will be the primary weapon to exploit this flaw. The Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong will look to find Gakpo immediately upon winning possession. This connection will define the transition speed of the Dutch attack.

In their previous tournament matches, Morocco struggled when opponents initiated quick switches of play to the weak side. If Gakpo can draw Hakimi high up the pitch and then run into the channel, he will force Morocco's right-sided center-back to pull out of the box. This movement creates a direct path to goal for central attackers.

Pressing Triggers and the Physical Cost

We must also analyze Gakpo's off-the-ball contributions, which are frequently undervalued. In Koeman's pressing scheme, Gakpo is the trigger. He registers 18.2 pressures per 90 minutes, with a success rate of 31.4%.

This defensive output is key for a Dutch midfield that can sometimes appear immobile. By winning the ball back high up the pitch, Gakpo creates transition opportunities before the opposition block can organize. His work rate ensures the midfield is not overrun when opposition fullbacks push forward.

Let's compare this to his teammates. Memphis Depay, playing centrally, registers only 9.1 pressures per 90, while Xavi Simons on the right manages 14.5. Gakpo's defensive coverage heatmap shows significant activity deep in his own half.

However, this defensive burden can impact his late-game efficiency. In matches where he has crossed the 75-minute mark, his dribble success rate drops to 38%. His pass completion rate in the final third also falls from 81% to 68% in the final fifteen minutes.

This physical drop-off is a potential vulnerability. If Koeman does not manage his workload, the Dutch attack risks stalling in the decisive final phase of knockout matches. The tactical battle against Morocco will likely be decided in the first 60 minutes.

Let's look at the financial and tactical valuation of Gakpo since his ยฃ37m move from PSV Eindhoven to Liverpool in January 2023. While some English pundits have labeled his Premier League career as inconsistent, his international pedigree is unquestionable. In 32 caps for the Netherlands, he has scored 15 goals and provided 7 assists.

He averages a goal involvement every 112 minutes for his country. In contrast, his Liverpool career has yielded a goal involvement every 184 minutes. This discrepancy highlights the importance of system design in modern football.

At Liverpool, Gakpo is a cog in a complex, possession-heavy machine. For the Netherlands, he is the focal point. The Dutch system is built to maximize his strengths: direct carries, quick transitions, and shooting from the left half-space.

As the Netherlands prepare for the knockout rounds, Gakpo's readiness is a massive boost. The emotional toll of the past week cannot be measured by statistics, but his tactical necessity is clear. As details of his decision to play confirm, his availability ensures that Koeman has his most dangerous weapon for the tournament's defining moments.