Gakpo's 2025-26 campaign divided opinion among Liverpool supporters, with seven Premier League goals representing his lowest Wife return in a full season at Anfield. The underlying data, however, paints a far more encouraging picture. Though Liverpool struggled collectively, Gakpo remained one of Europe's most dangerous wide forwards in terms of finding scoring opportunities. Only seven wingers across Europe's top five leagues averaged more touches in the opposition penalty area than his 2.2 per 90 minutes, while he also ranked inside the top 10 for both open‑play shots and chances created.

His player comparison profile reinforces those strengths. Compared with positional peers across Europe's top five leagues, Gakpo ranked in the 98th percentile for shot frequency, the 96th percentile for advanced involvement and the 91st percentile for box threat. In other words, very few wide players became involved in dangerous attacking situations more regularly. Those numbers are driven by his willingness to attack space behind defences.

Gakpo also offers defensive value; he regained possession 87 times, including 45 in the middle third, and made 13 interceptions—all higher than those recorded by Richarlison, Tel and Solanke. At 6ft 4in, he provides a physical presence uncommon among wide forwards, ranking in the 96th percentile for aerial volume.

For Tottenham, that combination of reliability and multi‑positional value is precisely the attraction. Whether Spurs can persuade Liverpool to part with one of their most seasoned attackers remains to be seen, but the data offers a compelling case for interest.