Andoni Iraola has made his position crystal clear from day one. Every player in this Liverpool squad gets a clean slate.

"For me, and I will tell them, [they] are all new signings," the new head coach said in his unveiling interview. "For me, you are all new signings and I think we have a lot of quality in our squad, and [I'm] really looking forward to working with them."

It's the same approach Jurgen Klopp took back in 2015. Recognise the talent that's already there, even when others can't see it. Even when confidence has been shattered by months of struggle.

Cody Gakpo epitomises this situation perfectly. A player who went from his best Liverpool season in 2024/25 to his absolute worst in the campaign just gone. Much of the frustration aimed at Arne Slot somehow found its way to the Dutchman's feet when supporters needed someone on the pitch to blame.

Like so many of his teammates, Gakpo watched his confidence evaporate as results crumbled and performances flatlined. He struggled more than most to impose himself in a side that completely lost its attacking identity. By the season's end, he was being shoehorned into the number nine role with Hugo Ekitike injured and Alexander Isak still battling fitness issues.

But international football has always been Gakpo's sanctuary. His place on the left side of the Netherlands attack, where he's often their standout performer, gives him the freedom that seemed to disappear at Anfield.

Monday's warm-up clash with Uzbekistan in New York proved the point. Two penalties, including a 98th-minute winner, secured a 2-1 victory for the Dutch. It was vintage Gakpo, playing alongside captain Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch in familiar surroundings.

He started in attack with Donyell Malen, fresh from a brilliant loan spell at Roma where he bagged 15 goals in 20 games after his move from Aston Villa, and Crysencio Summerville, who'll surely attract plenty of interest this summer following West Ham's relegation.

That brace on his 50th cap took Gakpo to 21 international goals. Three at the Qatar World Cup, three at Euro 2024, and now he's ready to deliver again when it matters most. The Netherlands face Japan, Sweden and Tunisia at the World Cup, and you sense Gakpo will be central to their hopes.

The fact he's their regular penalty taker speaks volumes about his standing in the squad. That responsibility could even be up for grabs at Liverpool this summer following Mohamed Salah's departure, though Dominik Szoboszlai has already thrown his hat in the ring.

Maybe a forward should take them anyway, especially when improving attacking output sits at the top of Iraola's to-do list. With Gakpo, there's certainly room for improvement after his struggles last season.

But that's exactly why this World Cup matters so much. A good tournament with the Dutch, full of goals and confidence, and he'll return to Liverpool with his head held high. Ready to meet his new boss as one of those 'new signings' Iraola is so eager to work with.

Iraola's fresh-start mentality could be exactly what Gakpo needs, and the World Cup could be exactly what Iraola needs to see.