WATCH l Dynamic Duo: Salah and Gakpo Combine for Liverpool's Second vs. West Ham

Gakpo has taken over Liverpool's goalscoring duties and has not been out of place. As the first half drew to a close, Cody Gakpo popped up to make it 2-0 for Liverpool against West Ham, tapping in after a great individual move by Mohamed Salah inside the box and unmarked by the defense.

The Connection Between Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah at Liverpool: A Dynamic Partnership in 2025

As football evolves, certain partnerships on the field have the potential to reshape a team's attack and elevate them to new heights. At Liverpool FC, one of the most exciting and potent partnerships in recent seasons has been the one developing between Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah. This duo, operating on the attacking front, has become a key component of Liverpool's strategy as they continue to compete at the highest levels in both domestic and international competitions. As of 2025, their synergy has been instrumental in revitalizing Liverpool’s attacking play, combining their individual brilliance into a cohesive and formidable force.

Gakpo's Arrival and the Early Days

Cody Gakpo's arrival at Liverpool in January 2023 marked a significant turning point for the club’s attacking options. The Dutch forward, who had previously impressed in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven, was a player in high demand after showcasing his versatility, creativity, and goal-scoring ability. Upon joining Liverpool, Gakpo’s adaptability and pace made him a natural fit for the team’s attacking line-up, which already featured Mohamed Salah, one of the top wingers in world football.

At first, Gakpo had to adjust to the high-intensity demands of Premier League football and the unique playing style of Liverpool under manager Jürgen Klopp. However, it wasn’t long before Gakpo began to find his rhythm, and by the start of the 2024-2025 season, he had fully integrated into Liverpool’s front line, often playing in central or wide roles alongside Salah. His impressive dribbling skills, technical precision, and ability to link up play with teammates made him a perfect complement to Salah’s more direct, cutting-edge style of play.

Mohamed Salah: A Constant Threat

Mohamed Salah’s place as one of Liverpool’s most important players is unquestionable. Since his arrival at the club in 2017, Salah has been the heart of Liverpool’s attacking force. His combination of blistering speed, excellent dribbling, and clinical finishing has made him one of the most feared wingers in the world. In the 2024-2025 season, at the age of 32, Salah shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to score goals from almost any position in the final third, his expert finishing with both feet, and his creativity in creating assists remain key assets for Liverpool. Salah’s versatility and consistency in front of goal have been critical to the team’s sustained success in domestic and European competitions.

However, while Salah remains the focal point of Liverpool’s attack, the integration of Cody Gakpo has added a new layer to the team's offensive play, particularly in terms of the dynamic between the two players. Gakpo’s ability to play both centrally and out wide has provided Liverpool with flexibility in attack, allowing Salah to operate in more free-flowing positions and exploit spaces that he can attack with his pace. This has made their connection even more dangerous, as they can quickly adapt to different defensive situations.

The Dynamic Partnership: Gakpo and Salah in 2025

The partnership between Gakpo and Salah in the 2024-2025 season has evolved into one of the most promising attacking duos in the Premier League. Their complementary playing styles have allowed them to create numerous goal-scoring opportunities for each other and their teammates. Gakpo’s ability to hold up the ball and draw defenders in has allowed Salah to use his pace to break into spaces behind the opposition. Moreover, Gakpo’s intelligent movement and vision often enable him to find Salah in the perfect position to finish off a move.

One of the key aspects of their partnership is their understanding of each other’s movements and positioning on the field. Gakpo has shown a remarkable ability to read Salah’s runs, whether it’s making quick passes or delivering balls into space for the Egyptian forward to latch onto. In turn, Salah’s awareness of Gakpo’s ability to cut inside or provide support out wide has helped the Dutchman get into dangerous positions. This fluidity allows both players to interchange positions effortlessly, keeping the opposition guessing and creating chaos in the attacking third.

Gakpo’s presence on the pitch has also allowed Salah to focus on what he does best: exploiting space and scoring goals. Gakpo’s ability to drift wide and link up with Liverpool’s midfielders has ensured that Salah is often in the perfect position to receive the ball in dangerous areas. Additionally, Gakpo’s creativity and vision have resulted in several assists for Salah, making the connection even more fruitful.

Tactical Impact: Klopp’s Flexible System

Jürgen Klopp’s tactical system at Liverpool has played a major role in fostering the connection between Gakpo and Salah. Klopp’s philosophy revolves around high pressing, fast transitions, and creating width in the attack. The dynamic nature of the Liverpool attack means that Gakpo and Salah are often asked to interchange positions, making their understanding and communication vital.

Klopp has also given both players the freedom to drift inside or operate wide, depending on the situation. This tactical flexibility allows both Gakpo and Salah to play to their strengths, whether it’s Salah cutting in from the right to shoot on goal or Gakpo making late runs into the box. By having these two players operate in tandem, Klopp has ensured that Liverpool’s attack remains unpredictable and potent.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future

As of 2025, the partnership between Gakpo and Salah is expected to continue flourishing. With Gakpo entering his prime years and Salah still playing at an elite level, their collaboration on the pitch is set to be a key factor in Liverpool’s success in both domestic and international competitions. Whether it’s their interlinking play, the speed with which they counter-attack, or their clinical finishing in front of goal, Gakpo and Salah are becoming one of the most dangerous attacking partnerships in Europe.

The future of Liverpool’s attacking line looks bright with this duo at its core. As long as Gakpo and Salah maintain their understanding and continue to build on their partnership, they will undoubtedly remain a force to be reckoned with, keeping opposition defenses on edge and delivering crucial performances in the years to come. Their connection, marked by fluidity, creativity, and clinical finishing, promises to be a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success in the 2025 season and beyond.