A positive Euro 2024 for the Netherlands ended at the semi-final hurdle with a 2-1 defeat to eventual runners-up England.
Leading the charge was none other than Golden Boot winner Cody Gakpo who, with a joint-tournament high of three goals, captured the attention of many.
From the opening game against Poland and throughout, there was a zip in his play. The energy, the drive, the skill - all that was lacking in Liverpool colours that seemed to be there in the Oranje.
That is now the task for new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot who looks to match the exploits of his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.
So let's look at how Gakpo could stake his claim as a starter in a new-look Liverpool side.
One Position, left-wing
Since his arrival from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, Gakpo has struggled for consistency which has come from a constant change in position across the front line.
In 18 months at Anfield, the 25-year-old has started off the left only 14 times in all competitions. A sign of Gakpo's versatility was his downfall as Klopp favoured the likes of Luis Diaz and even Darwin Nunez in that role during his tenure.
The Dutchman recently admitted his desire to play as a left-winger but had to adapt to a different way of playing.
"I have always been a left-winger so that's always been my preference," he said.
"In the last one and a half years, the coach needed me to play somewhere else and that's what I tried to do at my best."
Gakpo contributed towards 22 goals (16 goals, six assists) in 53 appearances last term. A healthy return for a player who is capable of producing even more.
That potential should be tapped into by Slot when he returns to pre-season which is not likely to be scheduled for another three weeks.
The confidence Gakpo played with for Holland should hopefully come with time. But more importantly, in a system that plays more to his strengths.
More control, less chaos, same aggression
The Liverpool system under Klopp was fast and frantic which delivered aggressive, attacking football but it had its faults. An intense style which impacted the team's late season form and a rigidity which stifled Gakpo's creativity.
It seems that Slot's more controlled approach might be the right call at the right time to get his countryman firing.
A 4-3-3 system that prioritises freedom and fluidity which would suit Gakpo's tendencies to drift inside and cause havoc in front of goal like he does in Holland's setup.
Slot explained his widely-discussed philosophy during his first press conference as Liverpool's new head coach.
He said: "I was hoping if people looked at my team they would not say it is 4-2-3-1 or it is 4-3-3 or whatever formation you want to call it.
"I was hoping they would say there is a lot of freedom when they have the ball to take it in different positions."
"If we don't have the ball there is not so much freedom. We want to be really aggressive and there's only one way, and that is everybody mostly keeps his position."
The Dutchman also remained tight-lipped on Gakpo's potential new role.
Speaking on both Gakpo and Trent Alexander-Arnold, he said: "I don't have an opinion about what their best positions would be with their countries. That depends on the players you have as well.
"You cannot judge a player on his own, it's always a team effort. But I do have an opinion about where they're going to play here.
"I am hoping he [Gakpo] will step up even more. We are hoping and expecting him to do even better."
The Reds boss has a rich history of developing players' potential across his time at PSV and AZ Alkmaar previously.
Gakpo could be the unearthed gem that Liverpool were always waiting for. A player full of brilliance on his day who can become the complete package to take Liverpool to more glory in their new era.
