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Liverpool’s unsung star can take centre stage against former club
As Liverpool prepare to face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday night , all eyes – perhaps surprisingly – will not just be on the flashy summer signings or generational talents.
Instead, the spotlight may well fall on Cody Gakpo, the Dutch forward who quietly but inexorably has grown into one of the Reds’ most reliable attacking weapons.
Born in Eindhoven, Gakpo came through PSV’s academy and steadily worked his way into the first team, making his senior debut in 2018. Over five years at his boyhood club, he amassed 159 appearances and scored 55 goals.
His breakthrough season in 2021-22 was truly memorable, as he registered double figures in both goals and assists, won the Dutch Footballer of the Year award and sealed a KNVB Cup triumph with a decisive goal against Ajax.
In January 2023, Liverpool landed Gakpo for a fee reported to be around £40-45 million. Initially, the attention was on where he’d fit among established stars. But two and a half years in, he’s proving indispensable. Gakpo has played over 140 times for the club, scoring 45 goals and providing 17 assists across all competitions. His consistency and adaptability – able to operate centrally or on the left – have made him a go-to for manager Arne Slot.
This season, Gakpo’s impact has been particularly poignant. He has already contributed four goals and three assists, delivering tangible results while the club’s recent mega-money additions struggle to make an impact.
His capacity to carry the ball forward is eye-catching. Early in the season, he led the Premier League in successful ball carries among all players. In an attack increasingly crowded with big names, his work rate, tactical intelligence and verticality give Liverpool a different dimension on the counter.
Beyond his numbers, Gakpo has spoken candidly about his desire to “wash away” last season’s disappointment in Europe. Despite helping Liverpool to the Premier League title in 2024-25, elimination in the Champions League still stings. It is perhaps this hunger that sharpens his focus, especially ahead of the trip to the Philips Stadion, where he once made his name.
Importantly, Liverpool have demonstrated their faith in him. In August 2025, Gakpo signed a new long-term contract, underscoring how pivotal he is to the fabric of the squad. In interviews, he frequently acknowledges how comfortable he feels at Anfield, how much he has grown and how he continues to learn from his teammates.
The match against PSV feels tailor-made for Gakpo: an emotional return to his spiritual home and a chance to remind the world he is more than a footnote in Liverpool’s star-studded line-up.
While the headlines may go to the marquee names, it could be his night – the unsung hero finally taking centre stage.
Full Champions League fixture list for Matchday 5
Tuesday 25 November
- Ajax vs Benfica
- Galatasaray vs Union Saint-Gilloise
- Bodø / Glimt vs Juventus
- Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal
- Chelsea vs Barcelona
- Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen
- Marseille vs Newcastle United
- Napoli vs Qarabağ
- Slavia Prague vs Athletic Club
Wednesday 26 November
- Copenhagen vs Kairat
- Pafos vs Monaco
- Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
- Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan
- Eintracht Frankfurt vs Atalanta
- Liverpool vs PSV
- Olympiakos vs Real Madrid
- Paris Saint-Germain vs Tottenham Hotspur
- Sporting CP vs Club Brugge
How to watch the Champions League in the USA on DAZN
Soccer fans in the US can watch the Champions League in Spanish language as part of their DAZN subscription package.
An annual upfront payment is $224.99 , while paying monthly for 12 months is $19.99 and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
CBS has coverage of every Champions League match in English language this season. You can get more details and subscribe to CBS's Champions League coverage here.
Fans can watch extra Champions League games in Spanish on ViX. A selection of those matches are also available on UNIMÁS and TUDN.
How to watch the Champions League in New Zealand on DAZN
Every Champions League game during the 2025-26 season is streamed in high definition and comes as part of a DAZN subscription.
An annual subscription costs $14.99 per month for 12 months and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
How to watch the Champions League in Canada on DAZN
Watch every game of the Champions League this season in Canada with a DAZN subscription.
There are three subscription options, each offering a different selection of sports. Access to every Champions League match is included in all three package offerings, ranging from $29.99 to $44.99 per month (for 12 months)
