(Video) Cody Gakpo caught the eye with a bizarre moment in the first half of Liverpool’s FA Cup victory over Barnsley

Cody Gakpo didn’t get on the scoresheet in Liverpool’s 4–1 victory over Barnsley on Monday night, but he still managed to steal the spotlight in an unusual way during the first half. Arne Slot named the Dutch forward in a strong starting lineup as the Reds came through their League One test, even if the final margin flattered them given how competitive the contest remained until late on.

The 26-year-old started the game through the middle but was shifted out to the left after Hugo Ekitike was introduced just past the hour mark, before later switching to the opposite flank.

One particularly eye-catching moment came shortly after the half-hour. While adjusting his boot, Gakpo received the ball and drove forward—remarkably carrying the loose footwear in his right hand as he surged more than 50 yards upfield. After laying the ball off to Andy Robertson, he continued his run, and by the time he reached the box, he was seen pointing to Rio Ngumoha with his boot still clearly visible, much to the amusement of onlookers.

It was hardly ideal timing to sort out his footwear, but credit to Gakpo for reacting quickly and covering over half the pitch with only one boot on. Overall, he often found himself isolated and crowded out by Barnsley’s compact defence, managing just a single effort on target. However, he appeared more comfortable once moved to the left wing following Ekitike’s introduction.

With the French striker back from injury and impressing off the bench, Ekitike looks set to start up front against Burnley on Saturday, which should see Gakpo return to a wide role for Scott Parker’s side’s visit to Anfield.

Even if his displays haven’t always grabbed the headlines, Gakpo remains Liverpool’s joint second-top scorer this season with six goals. Only a dramatic 97th-minute strike from Harrison Reed denied him the chance to be the Reds’ late hero against Fulham. And with Alexander Isak still sidelined for a few more weeks, Slot will continue to rely on his fellow Dutchman to contribute decisively in the matches ahead.