Cody Gakpo has been key to Liverpool so far under Andoni Iraola but the Dutchman might not have been at Anfield after all had a move to Manchester City been completed over the final days of the window
Virgil van Dijk insists Cody Gakpo will continue to be crucial to Liverpool after his failed move to Manchester City. The Dutchman was thought to be on the way out of Anfield over the final days of the transfer window.
Tottenham Hotspur had been credited as admirers, only to be gazumped by Premier League rivals Manchester City. Gakpo even went as far as approving a switch to the Etihad Stadium.
But for various reasons – including Liverpool’s inability to find a replacement – his switch was not completed. The Reds might be thankful of that fact given how key the Dutch forward has been to Liverpool.
He netted on the opening day of the season and followed that up with an assist against Nottingham Forest. Gakpo then set up Alexander Isak twice against Ipswich on Friday evening.
Speaking after that game, club and international teammate Virgil van Dijk was full of praise. Asked how important Gakpo has been, he said: “Massively.
“Obviously I said before the transfer window was closed that he’s important for us and he will be important for us this season as well. And he showed it again today. Last week as well with the assists, over the last couple of years as well. So keep going.”
Isak’s comments are very similar to that of Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola, who suggested that he had no doubts over the forward’s commitment. Speaking ahead of the trip to Portman Road, the Spanish coach said: “My relationship with Cody has been very honest from the beginning.
“He has played very well for us so far. He was always aware of the situation in the market, we were constantly talking, I hope we can keep him at the same level. He is in a good place physically and mentally and I’m very happy to pick him.”
Gakpo now appears set to remain at Liverpool until January at least – and Liverpool fans will be hopeful that his fledgling partnership with Isak will continue to improve.
Speaking about his understanding with the Swedish forward, Isak said: “We will see. Obviously as attackers, we always train with each other and try and get to know each other even better again. Hopefully we can assist each other many times so he owes me a few assists now.”
Liverpool are back in action on Wednesday as they kick-off their Champions League campaign against Spanish giants Atletico ahead of a home clash with Fulham.
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