Cody Gakpo is not like other professional football players nowadays. The Dutchman spent the overnight journey to Singapore reading the Bible as the rest of his teammates watched gripping Netflix crime shows, listened to rap, or played Candy Crush with Diogo Jota.
When asked what they thought was the “sound of the summer,” Liverpool players like Virgil Van Dijk and Drake’s “Meltdown”; Andy Robertson and Mo Salah like “Lose Yourself” by Eminem; and Gakpo said “gospel music.”
Since being the Netherlands’ poster boy during the World Cup and earning a transfer to Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven last winter, Gakpo’s religious approach to life has only become stronger.
Gakpo tells Mail Sport in a hotel room high above Singapore’s contemporary and picturesque skyline that his faith supports him in all aspects of his life. For me, it’s more than a hobby. Whether I’m in the UK or elsewhere, I always have the Bible with me.
I try to learn something new about it with every conversation I have. Our household is quite devout. I’ve been attempting to get a handle on it for the past four years.
I was always on the lookout for new experiences. The focus here is on developing life skills. Many diverse parts of it appeal to me.
The £44 million paid for the Eindhoven-born attacker Gakpo is a bargain considering his humble and hardworking demeanor. Gakpo has been on Merseyside for seven months and has already shown versatility on the field in the roles of winger, No. 9, and creative midfielder.
Jurgen Klopp values players who can fill multiple roles, which is why he acquired Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister this summer.
Gakpo chuckles and says, “Just to play!” when asked what his preferred position is. There are distinctions, and you’ll need to make adjustments, dig deeper, and take a stronger stance. When you’re in midfield, you can receive the ball from the central defenders, although a striker isn’t allowed to drop so low.
“It’s tough (to decide where I’m at my best) since it changes from game to game and opponent to opponent. Simply put, I enjoy situations where I can make rapid decisions and progress. From the center of the field into the assault is where I shine. As many goals and assists as possible, please!
After Jordan Henderson left, Gakpo’s greatest friend on the team was fellow countryman Virgil Van Dijk, who is now the club captain. But the forward, like many of his teammates, is still trying to adjust to life without ‘big brother’ Henderson.
According to Gakpo, “Hendo was a real captain inside and outside of the field.” Constantly helpful, a charismatic leader, and a model of what it means to be a professional athlete. He was a huge inspiration to me.
He taught me a lot. The coach was right; he was a fantastic man, and we will miss him. Jordan was always inquiring about my well-being and the security of my current residence. He acted as an older brother figure.
It’s unfortunate, but not unusual, for players with a lot of experience to depart a club. However, the stage is now set for new leaders to emerge.
Gakpo is adjusting to life under Klopp and jokes to Mail Sport about his tour schedule of “wake up, train, breakfast, train, rest a bit, train,” but he is enjoying the grueling workouts of preseason. Having said that, he appreciated the summer break.
Last season, he suited up for 60 games between PSV, Liverpool, and the Netherlands. This includes the Netherlands’ heartbreaking World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina. He grew up idolizing Lionel Messi, but he and Argentine Mac Allister haven’t talked about that game yet.
While many of his fellow Premier League players went off to party islands, Gakpo visited Togo, his father’s native country, to rest, reflect, and give back.
“I was just visiting for the first time,” he explains. “It was fantastic, and it was great to see so many relatives.
I went to help out with the charity work that my family undertakes. To give back as much as I can is crucial.
The forward is now focused on the future. Even though he had a career-high 20 goals and 20 assists for his club team previous season, Liverpool’s poor fifth-place finish and lack of a championship trophy belied his team’s performance.
Gakpo adds simply, “To forget about last season,” when asked about his goals for the upcoming year. To resume bringing home hardware. That’s the plan, and everyone agrees with it. Everyone feels obligated to make things right.