In what can only be described as a meteoric rise, Cody Gakpo has emerged as one of Liverpool's standout players since the appointment of manager Arne Slot. The Dutch forward, who made his move to Anfield at the tail end of 2022, initially struggled to find his footing under former coach Jurgen Klopp. However, Slot’s arrival has seemingly ignited a fire within Gakpo, leading to a remarkable turnaround in form.

After joining Liverpool with high expectations from his impressive stint at PSV Eindhoven and the national team, Gakpo faced challenges that hindered his consistency during his early months. Fast forward to this season, and the 25-year-old has found his rhythm, scoring eight goals in just 20 appearances—significantly better than the 16 he netted in 53 games last season.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville recently highlighted a crucial element that has changed in Gakpo’s game, noting that the forward now poses a more significant threat. During their coverage of Liverpool's match against Manchester City, Neville remarked on Gakpo's newfound pace and confidence, stating, “He’s gained confidence but he’s also gained a yard. He’s a real threat out on that left-hand side.”

But what has led to this transformation?

In an insightful interview with ‘Men In Blazers’ last month, Gakpo shed light on the pivotal conversation he had with Slot when he first arrived. The manager encouraged him to revert to his preferred position as a left winger, which has allowed Gakpo to flourish. He explained: “He said there’s a lot of competition here, so you just have to show yourself. But he said, ‘that is going to be your position.’”

This emphasis on utilizing Gakpo's strengths has reawakened the skill set he showcased at PSV, where he excelled in one-on-one situations, driving toward goal and creating chances. Gakpo noted, “I think I come into more one-vs-ones now with my face towards the opponent, where I can really go inside and give a cross, shoot or go outside and give a cross—which is more my game, I would say.”

This evolution of his role not only enhances Gakpo's individual performance but also benefits the entire Liverpool squad as they aim for success this season. With his renewed intensity and effectiveness on the pitch, fans are clamoring to see just how far Gakpo can push Liverpool toward their goal of reclaiming domestic and European glory.

As Liverpool continues to navigate a challenging season, Cody Gakpo's resurgence will be critical. His journey serves as a testament to the power of coaching and self-belief in achieving sporting excellence. Keep an eye on this dynamo as he dazzles on the pitch—he's just getting started!