Liverpool's January £44m transfer surprise is perfect response to Mohamed Salah absence

He may not have the prestige of Mohamed Salah, the songs assigned to Diogo Jota, the vocal backing afforded Darwin Nunez or the emotional attachment of Luis Diaz.

Cody Gakpo, though, has grown accustomed to operating under the radar at Liverpool.

And while hardly a secret weapon, the Holland international could prove a pivotal figure in helping the Reds negotiate a period in which their domestic ambitions are being given a thorough examination.

Jurgen Klopp ruthlessly ended Liverpool player's career after 'worst game in memory' prompted transformation

Liverpool weren't wrong about Man City as Premier League fixture truth becomes clear

Demonstrating as good timing as his attacking runs from deep, Gakpo has become an increasing influence on the Reds just when it has been required most, evidenced by his winner from the bench in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final at home to Fulham last Wednesday.

It followed a goal in the 4-2 Premier League triumph at home to Newcastle United the previous week along with a Boxing Day assist for Nunez in the 2-0 victory at Burnley.

That the latter was his first goal contribution in the top flight for almost three months underlines the frustration experienced by Gakpo for much of a fractured campaign. Having cemented the central striker role not long after arriving from PSV Eindhoven for a potential £44million in the January transfer window last season, injuries elsewhere meant Gakpo began the new campaign as an emergency midfielder.

When the Dutchman was restored to the forward line at Newcastle United, he had long been substituted before Nunez stepped off the bench to strike twice late on and earn a famous victory. Tellingly, Gakpo has since started only four Premier League games