Liverpool are certainly the team to beat in the Premier League this season, with the defending English champions reinforcing their squad over the summer.
The Reds have won their first three Premier League games in 2025-26, with Arne Slot’s men looking like an ominous prospect.
Liverpool signed Alexander Isak to end a summer-long transfer saga, while the additions of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz mean the Merseysiders have a plethora of riches in the final third.
However, an existing Liverpool player who has just signed a new contract will be a critical component of the club’s efforts to retain their Premier League title.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesCody Gakpo a key player for Liverpool
While the likes of Mo Salah and Isak may dominate the headlines this season for Liverpool, Cody Gakpo has a very important role to play for Slot’s men.
The Netherlands international moved to Anfield for £35 million in 2022 and recently extended his contract with the Reds.
Gakpo recently admitted Bayern Munich were interested in him over the summer before signing his team-mate Luis Diaz.
But for Liverpool, keeping the versatile forward and locking him down to a new deal looks like a masterstroke.
Gakpo makes left-wing position his own
It will be interesting to see how Slot fits Isak into his new-look forward line, especially given Ekitike has started his Liverpool career by scoring twice in his first three Premier League games.
However, the exit of Diaz and tragic death of Diogo Jota mean Gakpo can make the left-wing position in the Reds’ front three his own.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Gakpo’s versatility makes him an important player for Slot, with the former PSV Eindhoven man able to play across the forward line.
The 26-year-old scored 10 Premier League goals last season and is set to have an even more significant impact for Liverpool in 2025-26.