Brighton’s Wieffer Praises Gakpo After Intense Liverpool Clash
Brighton’s Mats Wieffer didn’t hold back in praising Cody Gakpo after their thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool at the Amex Stadium on May 19, 2025. Reflecting on the difficulty of containing the Dutch forward, Wieffer admitted:
“Whenever I tried to stop him, he showed me what I’ve never seen before… To be honest, no defender will like to face such a tricky player.”
The Dutch midfielder, known for his tactical discipline, was clearly impressed by Gakpo’s performance. Throughout the match, Gakpo showcased his agility, close control, and intelligent movement, constantly pressuring Brighton’s back line and creating problems in tight spaces.
Despite Gakpo’s efforts and Liverpool’s 2-1 halftime lead—thanks to goals from Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai—Brighton mounted a dramatic comeback. Inspired substitutions by manager Fabian Hürzeler, including Kaoru Mitoma and Jack Hinshelwood, turned the tide. Hinshelwood scored the winner in the 86th minute, capping off a spirited second-half performance.
The match highlighted both Gakpo’s growing influence for Liverpool and Brighton’s squad depth and tactical flexibility. While Gakpo dazzled individually, Liverpool’s missed opportunities—most notably from Mohamed Salah—and defensive lapses proved costly.
Brighton’s win served as a reminder of the Premier League’s unpredictable nature, and Wieffer’s comments further cemented Gakpo’s reputation as one of the league’s most technically gifted and elusive forwards.
As the season unfolds, encounters like these not only provide drama but also reveal the continual evolution of players and teams striving to adapt and overcome in one of football’s toughest arenas.
