In EA Sports FC 25 Ultimate Team, versatility is king. And EA FC 25 Coins few players embody this principle more effectively than Cody Gakpo. Traditionally known for his wide attacking prowess at PSV Eindhoven and now a dynamic forward for Liverpool and the Netherlands national team, Gakpo’s transition into a central attacking role has been mirrored in FC 25 with his Central Attacking Midfielder (CAM) and Center Forward (CF) position options.
This article explores what makes Cody Gakpo such a valuable asset in the current Ultimate Team meta, including a breakdown of his stats, how to best utilize him in different formations, ideal chemistry links, and gameplay impressions from both casual and competitive play.
Player Overview: Cody Gakpo in FC 25
Name: Cody Gakpo
Club: Liverpool
Nation: Netherlands
Positions: CAM / CF (also capable of LM/LW with position modifiers)
Work Rates: High/Medium
Preferred Foot: Right
Skill Moves: 4★
Weak Foot: 4★
Body Type: Unique
PlayStyle+: Technical+, Trivela+, Finesse Shot+
EA FC 25 has expanded the use of PlayStyles to further differentiate top-tier attackers, and Gakpo benefits massively from the inclusion of Technical+, Trivela+, and Finesse Shot+. These unique traits enhance his dribbling, outside-foot shots, and curling efforts, making him a nightmare for defenders to track in the final third.
Base Stats Breakdown
Let’s take a look at Gakpo’s base stats and how they stack up in the current meta:
Attribute Base Rating
Pace 89
Shooting 86
Passing 84
Dribbling 88
Physical 82
Defending 45
This stat profile is extremely well-rounded for a CAM or CF, with strong highlights in Pace, Dribbling, and Shooting. Gakpo’s size (6'2" / 187 cm), combined with his fluid dribbling stats and responsive animations, makes him a top-tier option for users who like a physical-yet-technical hybrid attacker.
Detailed Standout Stats:
Acceleration: 87 / Sprint Speed: 91
Finishing: 88 / Shot Power: 90 / Long Shots: 85
Vision: 86 / Short Passing: 87
Ball Control: 90 / Dribbling: 89 / Composure: 88
Stamina: 91 / Strength: 84
Best Chemistry Styles
Gakpo can be tailored to various playstyles depending on your formation and tactical setup. Here are the best Chemistry Styles for his CAM/CF card:
1. Hunter – Maximize pace and finishing:
Great for playing as a striker in a 4-4-2 or CF in 4-3-3(5).
Boosts sprinting ability to elite tier and raises finishing to near 99 levels.
2. Engine – Best for CAM/playmaker role:
Enhances passing and dribbling further.
Ideal if you plan to use Gakpo as the creative hub in formations like 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-2-1-2 narrow.
3. Hawk – Balanced physical/attacking boost:
Adds aggression and strength alongside shooting and pace.
Great for competitive players who want a more physical central attacker.
Formations and Tactics: How to Use Gakpo
1. 4-2-3-1 (CAM Role)
Gakpo thrives in the central CAM position behind a lone striker. His passing vision, strength, and ball control allow him to hold the ball under pressure and deliver pinpoint through balls or unleash long-range finesse shots.
Instructions: Stay Forward, Free Roam, Get into Box
Why it works: His technical dribbling with a large frame is rare. He can shield the ball and create.
2. 4-4-2 (Second Striker)
Pairing Gakpo with a poacher or pacey striker like Diaby, Nkunku, or Raspadori can be devastating. Use Gakpo as the link-up man who can drop deeper and build up play.
Instructions: Get in Behind, Stay Central
Why it works: His Trivela+ and Finesse+ combo makes him deadly on cut-backs and edge-of-box strikes.
3. 4-3-3(5) or 4-3-2-1
As a CF in these formations, Gakpo can interchange between the wings and middle, utilizing his off-ball movement and 4★ weak foot to stay unpredictable.
Instructions: False 9 or Target Man (depending on match tempo)
Best Links for Chemistry
Gakpo’s strong club and nation links make it easy to include him in hybrid squads.
Perfect Links (Green Chemistry):
Virgil van Dijk – Top-tier CB, good for Dutch + Liverpool hybrid.
Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) – Solid box-to-box with Dutch link.
Frenkie de Jong (Netherlands) – Great link from La Liga squads.
Strong Links (Yellow Chemistry):
Memphis Depay (La Liga/Netherlands) – Another versatile CF.
Jeremie Frimpong (Bundesliga/Netherlands) – Excellent RB option.
Matthijs de Ligt / Nathan Aké – Defensive Dutch core.
Gameplay Impressions
From a gameplay perspective, Gakpo feels smooth and powerful. His Unique body type gives him a distinct animation set that works well when shielding, receiving passes under pressure, or turning in tight areas. His high stamina (91) allows him to last the full 90+ minutes even with constant attacking involvement.
Strengths:
Long-Range Shooting: Trivela+ and Finesse+ allow for curling outside-foot shots from 20-25 yards.
Aerial Presence: His height and 84 jumping make him surprisingly effective on set pieces.
Dribbling Under Pressure: Smooth turns, great ball control, and enough strength to resist tackles.
Weaknesses:
Not as agile as smaller CAMs: If you rely heavily on La Croqueta or Elastico chains, he may feel less responsive.
Defensive Contribution: While his work rate is high/medium, don’t expect defensive recovery runs.
SBCs & Objectives Compatibility
Gakpo pairs well with recent SBC and promo cards such as:
FUT Fantasy Gravenberch
Team of the Season (TOTS) Van Dijk
Evolutions Midfield Maestro CAM
If you’ve built around the Dutch or Premier League ecosystem, he can slot in seamlessly without major chemistry sacrifices.
Final Verdict: Is Cody Gakpo Worth Using in FC 25 Ultimate Team?
Absolutely. Cody Gakpo is a meta-relevant, versatile, and high-ceiling attacker that can fit in both budget and elite squads. His blend of power, finesse, and positional fluidity makes him ideal for modern FC 25 tactics where players are expected to FIFA Coins contribute across multiple phases of play.
Whether you’re pushing for Elite in Champs or grinding Rivals, Gakpo’s CAM/CF card will serve you well in multiple formations. With the right chemistry style and squad setup, he transforms from a creative force into a clinical finisher — a true Swiss Army knife in Ultimate Team.
