Cody Gakpo has once again gone unnoticed at Liverpool, but he is developing as a significant weapon during a crucial phase of the season.

He lacks the celebrity of Mohamed Salah, the songs allotted to Diogo Jota, the vocal support provided by Darwin Nunez, and the emotional attachment of Luis Diaz.

Cody Gakpo, on the other hand, has gotten accustomed to flying under the radar at Liverpool.

And, while hardly a secret weapon, the Holland international might be crucial in helping the Reds navigate a season in which their domestic objectives are being scrutinized.

Gakpo has become an increasing influence on the Reds just when it has been most needed, as proven by his winner from the bench in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final at home to Fulham last Wednesday.

It came after a goal in the previous week’s 4-2 Premier League victory at home against Newcastle United, as well as a Boxing Day assist for Nunez in the 2-0 success against Burnley.

The fact that the latter was his first goal contribution in the top division in nearly three months highlights Gakpo’s displeasure throughout the season. Gakpo began the current season as an emergency midfielder after cementing the center striker post shortly after coming from PSV Eindhoven for a potential £44million in the January transfer window previous season.

When the Dutchman was reintroduced to Newcastle United’s forward line, he had been on the bench for a long time before Nunez came off the bench to score twice late on and earn a memorable victory. Gakpo has started only four Premier League games in the center of the attack since then, compared to six in cup competitions.

To be fair, he did score in the first two of those top-flight games, at Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur, only to be sidelined for a month in London by an injury while Nunez secured his status as the first-choice number nine.

Gakpo, on the other hand, has only appeared in one match this season, when he was placed on the bench for the Europa League group opener against LASK in Austria in September. His versatility, which has seen him play in four different positions in his last five appearances, works in his favor. Because of Jurgen Klopp’s flexible approach, opportunities for the Dutchman will always be available.

Gakpo has been releasing the numbers in his customary subtle manner. His goal against Fulham brought his season total to nine goals and three assists. These figures are similar to Jota’s, albeit from more games, and contrast favorably with Diaz’s six goals and two assists. Salah leads the market with 18 goals and nine assists, while Nunez has eight goals and ten assists.

Indeed, if Liverpool win at Craven Cottage on Wednesday, Gakpo will have done more than his fair share, scoring in every round thus far and becoming the first Liverpool player since Vladimir Smicer in 2000/01 to score in four consecutive League Cup ties.

More intriguingly, it occurred when introduced on the right wing. Gakpo had been similarly effective in the position when he was thrown on to help turn the game around at Crystal Palace, and while he is hardly a traditional winger, his nose for goal, work ethic, pressing, and ability to keep the ball and bring others into play mean he is a very real option to Harvey Elliott and Diaz while Salah is away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

But, whether it’s on the right side of the attack, the left, the center, or in midfield, Gakpo’s rising star guarantees he’ll play a significant role for Liverpool – wherever that may be.