Cody Gakpo is being backed by a former mentor to succeed with Liverpool.

Twan Scheepers, who coached Gakpo on every step of his journey from PSV's academy to the first team, believes the winger will continue to show the same modesty at Anfield.

Former Derby assistant boss Scheepers told The Sun: “He was exceptional in many ways but not only in his attributes or skills.

“Everybody around him, he took them with him.

“He didn't change when going to the first team.

“All day long he would be in conversation with you on how he could reach his goals.

“When he was under ten he would do the same right now at Liverpool."

At 6ft 4in, Gakpo's gangly frame is his best attribute as it sets him apart from a conventional, zippy attacker.

Whether it is with his head, right foot or left foot, Gakpo has the weapons which allow him to score or assist in equal measure.

In PSV's academy he quickly earned the nickname 'Een Tovenaar' — The Wizard — for his dribbling skills.

And at the World Cup he scored three goals for the Netherlands playing as a No 10.

So it is no surprise Jurgen Klopp has already praised Gakpo for being “smart and versatile" before even pulling on a Liverpool shirt.

But Scheepers feels Gakpo is most dangerous when emulating his idol Thierry Henry by cutting in from the left and unleashing his right foot.

He explained: “When he gets the ball you are always on the tip of your chair.

“There is always something happening when he is on or around the ball and it is always forward.

“He is an exciting player who will only get even more exciting. He can adapt to be a striker but I don't see him as one. In general his best position is the left side.

“I am not saying he is Thierry Henry because you cannot compare players but the way they think, the way they play with always running towards the goal and clever in the 18 yard box I can see why he is a huge fan of him."