On Boxing Day, Cody Gakpo celebrated two years since his move to Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch striker's story would have been very different if Erik ten Hag had succeeded in bringing him to Manchester United in early 2022.
"I think I contacted Man United and also spoke to Erik ten Hag the summer before, it's clear he's Dutch. But in the end it didn't work out and that was it. And in the winter, Liverpool came. It was the best decision for me," Gakpo said in early 2024.
Gakpo is now one of the most important link in Liverpool's attack under Arne Slot. Meanwhile, Man United struggled with the attack, with Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford all disappointing.
Of course, Mohamed Salah is still Liverpool's most important attacking star. But what if Slot's team were without Gakpo?
Salah has had a total of 37 goal involvements so far this season. Gakpo, meanwhile, has contributed just five Premier League goals for Liverpool, but all of them have been important.
Three of Gakpo's goals were an equaliser as Liverpool were trailing and struggling at home. All of them were important moments and all of them helped Liverpool gain points.
That was an equalizer to change the game against Leicester, 2 more goals against Fulham and Brighton. There was also the opening goal in the match against Manchester City. Above all, there was the goal that sealed the result against Real Madrid in the Champions League. The 25-year-old striker has also scored four goals in three Carabao Cup games so far.
Gakpo's form is a testament to how Slot has improved Liverpool without the need to buy players. Like other players such as Luis Diaz and Ryan Gravenberch, the Dutch striker seems to be out of place when integrating into Liverpool life under Jurgen Klopp.
Part of Gakpo's revival has been moving to the left wing. The striker mainly played in that position at PSV Eindhoven but Klopp did not think so. The German has used Gakpo in a variety of roles, except for the left wing.
Six months ago, after Klopp left Liverpool and Gakpo left for EURO 2024 with the Netherlands, the 25-year-old found himself.
"At EURO 2024, I will play as a left midfielder again. Then, this season, a new coach arrived. I spoke to Arne Slot and he said I had to focus on the left-back position.
For me, it's a bit like my old self, like what I did on the PSV. I feel really good in this position. I try to show my full potential to everyone" - Gakpo said.
Gakpo has developed into a truly important player for Liverpool. And this was also a key moment for The Kop. With 8 matches in January and some difficult challenges ahead, Gakpo will need more than ever if Liverpool want to fly high in all competitions.
