Cody Gakpo has been praised for his displays this season, after the Liverpool star made his return to action in the clash with Villarreal in the Champions League

Former Liverpool stars Robbie Fowler and Daniel Sturridge have been full of praise for Cody Gakpo, as the winger made his return to action in his side's match against Villarreal in the Champions League.

Gakpo had endured a short spell out of the team since the international break, after the Netherlands international picked up an ankle injury during the three-week break. While he has missed three matches in that time, his start to the campaign otherwise has been impressive, with an ability to find goals and assists at important times.

The 27-year-old has two goals and four assists to his name in all competitions this season, finding an impressive combination with Alexander Isak along the way, which has helped the Reds while the team settles into Andoni Iraola's methods of working.

Gakpo's return to action comes as a boost for the side at an important time, with some big fixtures coming up in the Premier League, Champions League, and EFL Cup.

That much was clear with both Fowler and Sturridge praising the winger's ability, with the pair of former players discussing his qualities on Amazon Prime Video's coverage of Liverpool vs Villarreal.

Fowler started off by saying: "He’s been brilliant this year, I know he’s been injured last couple of games but for a player who was on the verge of leaving, he’s shown what he’s capable of. He’s been outstanding since he came back from pre-season, a real exciting player.

"I'm glad he’s still here, because he deserves to [be]. His performances last season were good too at times, though it’s a bit of a love/hate relationship with the Liverpool fans because they probably demand more and expect more.

"This year there’s been no pressure on him whatsoever because he probably thought he was going to go, but he’s been fantastic."

Sturridge agreed, as he claimed: "I think it’s that, but also he knows his level, and that he didn’t reach it last season, so he had a point to prove.

"He had suitors out there who were top clubs, who believed in his abilities, and ultimately he believed in himself, stayed and said ‘alright I’m gonna show you my level’.

"He’s playing on the right more this season slightly more than we’re used to seeing him there, but he has the ability and awareness to position himself in areas where he can feel more comfortable to impact the game."

Liverpool will certainly be hoping that Gakpo can step up during an important time of the season for the team to start building momentum across their respective competitions.