In the realm of Liverpool’s football narrative, the current team under Jurgen Klopp’s 2.0 era has garnered widespread adoration, surpassing pre-season expectations. Despite imperfections witnessed in their recent 4-3 victory against Fulham, the team’s resilience and character display hint at a potential Premier League title challenge. This win catapulted Liverpool past Manchester City in the league standings. The transformative midfield surgery executed during the summer transfer window has notably revitalized Klopp’s side.

The Liverpool squad boasts a diverse array of players, from boyhood Reds fan Trent Alexander-Arnold to the newly-acquired midfield sensation Dominik Szoboszlai and the ever-entertaining Darwin Nuñez. However, one player who has seen his stock arguably dip since August is Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman, joining Liverpool in January during a challenging period, emerged as a bright spot in the second half of the previous campaign.

Gakpo’s notable performances included a memorable double in the 7-0 win over Manchester United, showcasing his ability to drop deep and contribute off the ball, reminiscent of Roberto Firmino. Despite being less prolific than Mohamed Salah and not as explosive as Luis Diaz or Nuñez, the 24-year-old provided an aesthetically pleasing and integral component to Liverpool’s best XI.

This season, Gakpo has found himself playing second fiddle to Nuñez and Diogo Jota, with limited starts in the Premier League affecting his rhythm and confidence. While some performances have fallen short, there remains a sentiment that Gakpo is Liverpool’s most underrated player. Recent weeks have seen a resurgence in his form, highlighted by a brace against LASK and a crucial contribution against Fulham, where he displayed composure, effective ball retention, and pivotal involvement in the lead-up to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s winner.

Gakpo’s nuanced playing style and recent impactful displays have flown somewhat under the radar. Despite a naturally languid presence on the pitch, he possesses pace, physicality, and end product, showcased by his impressive goal contributions at PSV. As Liverpool navigates the festive period with squad rotations, Gakpo’s role is anticipated to be pivotal. Whether Klopp deploys him on the left wing or centrally remains to be seen, but Gakpo’s potential to add balance and depth to Liverpool’s attack is undeniable. Despite momentarily drifting into the background, Gakpo is poised to be a vital player for Liverpool in the coming months and years.