Since coming to Anfield, Cody Gakpo has received a good deal of criticism. The Dutchman, who plays a variety of positions along the front line and is occasionally used as the team’s No. 8 as well, hasn’t had much time or chance to establish himself in the starting lineup.

That’s not to suggest he has been a flop on Merseyside, though, and his encouraging performance in a 3-3 draw against Aston Villa, who is vying for the Champions League, attests to that fact. He scored once more before leaving with Liverpool leading 3-1.

The former PSV Eindhoven star has played in 33 Premier League games this season and has eight goals and five assists, which is by no means a terrible return. What has worried the Anfield supporters and others is mainly his noteworthy mid-season slump in form, during which he struggled to affect games and their complexion.

Gakpo has been one of the Reds’ most impressive players lately as they approach the finish of the current campaign. His ability to play on the flank, despite a run of patchy appearances, was demonstrated against Fulham, even in the left-wing position, and it became a major talking point following the game.

The Amazing Show by Gakpo vs. Aston Villa

Completed two of Liverpool’s finest dribbles.Gakpo put up a solid performance that served as a reminder of why Liverpool paid £35 million for his services prior to being replaced by Darwin Nunez in the 74th minute. The just turned 25-year-old was a threat the entire game, taking two shots, one of which (his goal) went in, and not only did he get on the scoresheet against Unai Emery’s high-flyers.

With Emiliano Martinez deflecting Joe Gomez’s cross-shot, Gakpo was at the back post to flick in Liverpool’s second goal of the evening with poise, something he hadn’t been able to do in months.

Gakpo was among the least involved players for Liverpool, logging just 41 touches of the ball. His impact came from his willingness to be forthright and driven.

He was permitted to go around and occupy locations as he pleased, which is what made his impact so great. His on-the-ball heroics are limited when he is anchored to a center-only role, as evidenced by his two dribbles at Villa Park, which led Liverpool’s scoring.

Gakpo finished as the second-highest rated player for the visiting team on WhoScored (7.58), trailing only Jarell Quansah, but he can still feel proud of himself after another outstanding showing while playing at the front of the line.

The PSV academy graduate has been directly involved in four goals (two goals and two assists) in his last four Premier League games for Liverpool, demonstrating his ability to be the threat he claimed to be when he arrived in December 2022. Gakpo’s time at Anfield seems to be just getting started, so who knows what the future holds for him.