£44m Liverpool star says he'll be even 'better' this season despite best-ever 24/25 campaign at Anfield

Liverpool blew away their Premier League rivals on their way to securing a 20th league title and are best-positioned to repeat the feat this season.

The Reds were the highest goalscorers in the Premier League last term by a comfortable margin, Manchester City were runners-up with 72 goals, considerably behind Liverpool’s 86-goal tally.

Despite Arne Slot claiming the English crown on the first time of asking, the Dutchman is shaping a new attack at Anfield – Hugo Ekitike joined the Reds from Eintracht Frankfurt amid the widely reported pursuit of Alexander Isak.

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However, one current Liverpool attacker is looking to take the next step during the upcoming campaign despite recording his highest-ever goal return last season.

Cody Gakpo is ready to take the Premier League by storm

Cody Gakpo struggled for minutes at Anfield following his £44 million move from PSV in 2023 as he was constantly benched in favour of new Bayern Munich signing Luis Diaz.

Nevertheless, impressive displays with the Netherlands at Euro 2024 and a position change saw Gakpo finish the season with 18 goals across all competitions – second only to Ballon d’Or candidate Mohamed Salah for the Reds – but the Dutchman is looking to go one better this season.

“It was my best return for Liverpool, but I always strive to be better and do more,” Gakpo said in an interview with The Athletic.

Cody Gakpo (24/25) Premier League Champions League Carabao Cup Appearances 35 8 6 Goals 10 3 5 Assists 4 1 1

“So yeah, hopefully this year is going to be a better one. I am just trying to get more goals and more assists. These things are always in a process. You come to the club, you settle in, and everyone does it in their own time. Some players settle really fast, and for some players it takes a little bit more time.

“After last season, when all the factors played in favour of our team and my slight change of position as well, we can become even better than we were last season and achieve even more.”

Hugo Ekitike could challenge Cody Gakpo at Liverpool

Indeed, Gakpo is the only senior player naturally suited for the left-wing spot, but the 26-year-old could face increased competition for his place this season.

TBR Football exclusively reported that Isak is confident of signing for Liverpool. If the potential record-breaking transfer proceeds as expected, Ekitike will undoubtedly have his sights set on Gakpo’s spot.

The Frenchman plays primarily as a centre-forward, but Slot is a fan of his versatile profile, and according to Graeme Bailey, much to the welcome surprise of teammates, Ekitike has been ‘dazzling’ Liverpool in training.

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Furthermore, Florian Wirtz can also play off the left if required to do so, leaving Gakpo little margin for error if he is truly to become the undisputed option for the Reds.

While Gakpo is more precise than his former teammate Diaz, who sometimes opted for flair over productivity, few among the Anfield faithful doubt Gakpo’s prowess in front of goal.

He has all the tools to take the next step for Liverpool this season, and his ability to do so could be the difference in helping his side win a record-breaking 21st Premier League title.

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