Cody Gakpo vs. Luis Díaz: Who Should Lead Liverpool’s Left Wing Under Arne Slot?
As Liverpool prepare for a new era under Arne Slot, competition is heating up on the left side of the attack. Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz both bring dynamic, high-impact styles to the pitch but who has the edge heading into the 2025/26 season?
With new signings and tactical shifts ahead, we break down the stats, playing styles, and potential partnerships to determine who might be better suited to Slot’s system.
Head-to-Head: Stats and Experience
| Player | Cody Gakpo | Luis Díaz |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 26 | 28 |
| National Team | Netherlands (40 caps, 15 goals) | Colombia (64 caps, 19 goals) |
| Liverpool Apps | 128 | 148 |
| Goals (LFC) | 41 | 41 |
| Major Honours | 4 | 7 |
Despite Díaz’s slight edge in experience and silverware, Gakpo has matched him goal for goal at Liverpool in fewer games. Both players are proven international performers, and their club contributions suggest this is a very even contest.
Style of Play: Clinical vs. Chaotic
Cody Gakpo
- Best Position: Left wing, cutting inside
- Strengths: Precise finishing, aerial ability, positional intelligence
- Tactical Fit: Prefers a patient build-up, thrives in structured attacks
Gakpo struggled somewhat as a central striker under Klopp, but exploded in form when shifted back to the left flank especially during the Euro 2024 with the Netherlands. Slot’s arrival could mark a return to Gakpo’s natural role, where his timed runs and clinical right foot become lethal.
His ability to drift inside and combine with a forward-thinking fullback makes him a perfect fit for Liverpool’s new left-back Milos Kerkez, who offers width and overlaps to create space.
Luis Díaz
- Best Position: Traditional winger or inverted forward
- Strengths: Ball carrying, acceleration, flair, improving versatility
- Tactical Fit: Relies on instinct and 1v1 situations, thrives on chaos
Díaz had his most productive season yet in 2024/25, netting 13 goals and showing more consistency in front of goal. He’s evolved from an out-and-out winger to a more well-rounded forward, capable of scoring with headers and clever one-touch finishes.
Where Gakpo is calculated, Díaz is explosive and unpredictable, a player who can turn a stagnant game with one dribble or long-range shot.
New Signings Could Tip the Balance
The arrival of Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz could have significant implications for both players.
- Gakpo + Kerkez: Kerkez’s overlapping runs open up the interior channels, giving Gakpo room to cut inside his preferred zone.
- Gakpo + Wirtz: Wirtz’s creativity draws defenders, which could leave Gakpo in more isolated 1v1 situations ideal for goal-scoring.
- Díaz + Kerkez: While Díaz isn’t as reliant on inside space, Kerkez’s support could allow him to attack full-backs with more freedom.
- Díaz + Wirtz: The Colombian thrives on through balls, and Wirtz’s ability to find runners could set Díaz up for more direct scoring chances.
Verdict: Who Has the Edge?
Both players have strong cases, but the final decision may depend on Slot’s tactical priorities:
- If he wants control, combination play, and goal efficiency, Gakpo may edge it.
- If he seeks directness, unpredictability, and transitional pace, Díaz could be his man.
The Dutch connection may also play a role with Slot likely familiar with Gakpo’s strengths from Eredivisie scouting. But ultimately, the decision will come down to who adapts quickest to Slot’s evolving Liverpool identity.
Final Take: Rotation Is Key
With a long season, multiple competitions, and an evolving system, both Gakpo and Díaz will be vital. Expect them to rotate, share minutes, and push each other just as they have done the last few seasons.
But if Slot names a first-choice left winger on opening day, all signs currently point to Cody Gakpo having the slight edge for now.
