Arne Slot has just been handed Cody Gakpo Liverpool blueprint

Three Liverpool players were brimming with delight as the Netherlands kicked off Euro 2024 with a 2-1 win against Poland in Hamburg.

Ronald Koeman's side seemed certain to be held to a draw by their opponents in their Group D opener, though late substitute Wout Weghorst arrived to find the winner. Captain Virgil van Dijk was on the field at the time and took part in joyous celebrations with his national team.

Ryan Gravenberch watched the match as an unused substitute, meanwhile Cody Gakpo was looking on having been removed from the action shortly before - but not without a major impact of his own.

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After Adam Buksa's header had put the Poles ahead, it was Liverpool's No.18 that hit back with the Dutch's equaliser before the break. After being fed by Man City's Nathan Ake the 25-year-old burst toward the 18-yard box before hitting a powerful strike, which was deflected off a defender past Wojciech Szczesny.

As well as his goal he completed the match with five shots - the most of anyone involved and two of which were on target - as well as 53 touches, a pass success rate of 85 percent, four out of four dribbles successful and four aerial duels won. Most importantly, Gakpo did all of this when playing on the left wing.

This was the Dutchman's natural position for his national team and PSV Eindhoven before joining the Reds in January 2023. He has continued to be utilised there, though he has been more commonly seen in Jurgen Klopp's team as the designated centre forward.

Competition is strong at left wing with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez also able to play there, but a change in system under new head coach Arne Slot could prompt a shift back to the position that brought Gakpo's name to the attention of clubs across Europe. Supporters that watched today's match certainly think so, at least.

Gakpo has even been used as a central midfielder at the start of the 2023/24 campaign - perhaps the time he has struggled most in a Liverpool shirt. Slot's arrival potentially marks a fresh start for the forward, and once he returns from his national team exploits it will be interesting to see how the new man in the dugout looks to use his countryman.