Cody Gakpo could replicate unique Ian Rush milestone in next Liverpool match

The Liverpool will hope to repeat his habit of beginning the new year in good form, especially after recently returning from a three-week injury layoff

Cody Gakpo could set a rare Liverpool landmark if he scores against Leeds on New Year's Day(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo could record a rare achievement on New Year’s Day when the Reds host Leeds United in the Premier League.

Both clubs are in excellent form heading into the meeting at Anfield, with Liverpool winning its last four games and Leeds unbeaten in five. The latter was unfortunate not to come away from the Stadium of Light with all three points on Sunday, despite amassing 58 percent possession and managing to produce 17 shots.

Liverpool should, therefore, expect a stiffer test than the side that earned a 3-3 draw at Elland Road at the start of the month.

The Reds can expect goals, though, given Leeds hasn’t kept a clean sheet since August. Gakpo will certainly hope to get his name on the score sheet at the start of a new year.

The winger netted in Liverpool’s opening game of 2024 and 2025, and should he do so in 2026, Gakpo would be the first Red to score in the first game of three successive calendar years since Ian Rush.

Liverpool’s all-time record scorer was on target in 1985, 1986 and 1987, meaning Gakpo could be the first Liverpool player to manage the feat in 39 years.

Gakpo scored against Manchester United in Liverpool's first match 2025(Image: Getty Images)

Gakpo netted the equalizer against Manchester United nearly 12 months ago and scored Liverpool’s third in a 4-2 win over Newcastle United on New Year’s Day 2024.

The former PSV Eindhoven man’s chances of extending that record are hampered by his fitness levels, however.

Gakpo only returned from a short-term injury on Saturday and played the final four minutes of the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. He will likely be named among the substitutes against Leeds.

Gakpo returned to the squad against Wolves(Image: Getty Images)

The 26-year-old has endured a difficult campaign and has managed just four goals and three assists from 16 Premier League appearances.

Despite that, Gakpo remained a constant in the side prior to injury, starting 13 out of 15 in the Premier League

Florian Wirtz’s form from the left wing in recent weeks also reduces Gakpo’s chances of starting on Thursday against the side he nearly signed for in 2022.

However, he remained at PSV and joined Liverpool the following January. Next month will mark three years since he signed for the Reds, and Gakpo has scored 46 goals in 149 appearances.