In Focus: Gakpo preparing for key role in new-look Liverpool side

Cody Gakpo has prepared for his first full season at Liverpool in a manner that may seem unusual.

The Netherlands international has revealed that he has spent the summer studying the Bible and taking on charity work. 

After an impressive start to his career at Anfield, the 24-year-old is now preparing to establish himself within Jurgen Klopp's new-look side. 

We turn the spotlight on Gakpo and how he might be utilised by the Reds. 

Productive summer

Gakpo has spoken about his faith and how it continues to shape him. 

He said: "Not only in my career, religion helps my whole life. 

"It's a lifestyle for me. I take the Bible with me everywhere and every day, in the UK or wherever else. 

"I was always searching for something. It's about learning how to live your life." 

While many of his team-mates would have been enjoying glamorous holidays, Gakpo spent some of the summer in his father's homeland of Togo. 

He said: "It was my first time over there. It was amazing, a really nice experience to see lots of family. 

"My family does some charity work there so I helped. It is important to help, to give back as much as I can." 

Gruelling season

Gakpo's refreshingly down to earth attitude seems to be paying off on the pitch. 

Last season he scored 13 goals and assisted 17 more for PSV Eindhoven, earning him a January move to Liverpool. 

He then added another seven strikes and three assists for the Merseysiders, adding up to 40 goal involvements at club level in 2022-23.

Gakpo also scored three goals at the World Cup for the Netherlands, in a season in which the attacker played 60 games in total. 

In a summer of big change at Anfield, Gakpo is a player that the Reds now need to truly deliver. 

Striker role

Gakpo was used as a left winger by PSV last season. After his move to Liverpool, he was mainly utilised as a striker. 

To change the role of a new signing after they were so successful in their previous position could be viewed as surprising. 

Yet Klopp did something similar when he converted Roberto Firmino into a striker, with great success. 

From what we have seen in pre-season, it seems likely that Gakpo will be fighting it out with Darwin Nunez for the role of centre forward within Liverpool's front three. 

The Dutchman is also able to play on the wing or in an attacking midfield position and has given his thoughts on his preference. 

He said: "There are differences and you have to change some things, go deeper and defend more. 

"You get the ball from the central defenders when in midfield. As a striker, you can't drop that far. 

"I just like to be in a position to get on the ball a lot. I like to carry from the midfield to the attack. I just want to get a lot of goals and assists." 

Last season, Gakpo was certainly productive. Carrying that on in his new role is his fresh challenge.