Cody Gakpo’s initiation into the new season with Liverpool has been intriguing. He is yet to secure a fixed spot in the team, and his performances in midfield haven’t stood out.

Liverpool is enjoying a successful run this season, currently ranking second in the Premier League after 12 matches, just one point behind the leaders. Despite reaching the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup and performing well in the Europa League, one minor concern arises with Cody Gakpo’s uncertain role in the squad.

Gakpo, who joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January, made a significant impact upon his arrival, displacing Darwin Núñez from the starting lineup. However, this season has seen a shift in dynamics, with Núñez claiming a fixed spot as a regular starter, putting Gakpo’s versatility to the test.

While Gakpo showcased his ability to play on the left wing at PSV, Luis Díaz’s consistency in that position and Diogo Jota’s role in the absence of Díaz have limited Gakpo’s opportunities in his preferred position. In the recent match against Brentford, he was deployed as a number eight due to injuries and suspensions in the midfield, providing a decent performance but lacking significant involvement.

Gakpo’s touch count during the game was only 43, considerably fewer than key players like Núñez (39 touches) and Mohamed Salah (64 touches). Notably, Dominik Szoboszlai, who played a similar role to Gakpo but on the right side, registered 71 touches, showcasing greater involvement in the team’s possession game.

Gakpo’s situation is puzzling; he isn’t underperforming, but he appears to be overshadowed by other players. His versatility, while valuable, has yet to make a prominent impact on the field. Klopp may view Gakpo as a jack of all trades, but for now, he seems to be struggling to establish himself as a master in any specific role.

While Liverpool’s overall performance is commendable, Gakpo’s subdued presence remains a minor puzzle for Klopp to solve within the team.