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Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo celebrates after scoring during the Premier League match against Ipswich Town at Anfield on January 25 2025(Image: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Cody Gakpo has revealed how a message from Virgil van Dijk almost two years ago continues to prove a driving force behind Liverpool's pursuit of honours.

A hugely encouraging first campaign under boss Arne Slot has seen the Reds move six points clear at the Premier League summit with the game in hand, stand top of the Champions League table and remain in both domestic cup competitions.

Gakpo has been in outstanding form in recent months, with his brace in Saturday's 4-1 home win over Ipswich Town moving him on to 14 goals for the season with nine coming in his last nine appearances at Anfield.

But it was in the wake of the record-breaking 7-0 win over Manchester United in March 2023 - when Gakpo scored twice - that the Holland international believes the mindset for this season's challenge for honours was established.

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"The most important thing is what happened later in the dressing room," said Gakpo.

But we don’t take our foot off the gas."

Such an approach has helped Liverpool remain unbeaten in the Premier League since September while also assuring qualification to the Champions League last 16 even before the Reds conclude the first stage at Gakpo's former club PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

And speaking to the Players Tribune, Gakpo pointed to the 2-2 draw at home to Fulham in December - when Liverpool were reduced to 10 men after 16 minutes but twice came from behind to earn a point - as evidence of the Reds' character.

"A massive point for us because we were one man down, 1-0 behind, and still showed everybody what we are capable of," he said.

"Obviously when we win 4-0, it shows how good we are.

"But it’s games like Fulham, or like Brighton, when we were 1-0 down, and won 2-1 that really define Liverpool.

He’s so good tactically, and I think we fit well in his system."

Gakpo has also highlighted the quality of midfield options available to Liverpool while singling out one player he believes isn't properly valued outside of Anfield.

"If you look at our midfield - Curtis, Ryan, Dominik, Wataru, Harvey, Alexis - they’re all complete midfielders," he said.

Now, we’re in a good place to really challenge for the title.
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