Cody Gakpo is quickly showing why Liverpool were determined to keep him at Anfield.
The Dutch forward played a decisive role in Liverpool’s first Premier League victory of the season, providing two assists in the 2-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
His performance came only days after his future had been linked with Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur during the summer transfer window.
For Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, however, Gakpo’s importance has never been in doubt.
Van Dijk Makes Gakpo’s Importance Clear
Van Dijk once again emphasized how valuable Gakpo is to Liverpool after the victory over Ipswich.
The Liverpool captain had already expressed his belief in the 27-year-old before the transfer window closed. Following Gakpo’s latest performance, Van Dijk had even more reason to underline his importance.
“It’s very important. I already said before the transfer window closed that he is important for us,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports, as reported by Liverpool Echo.
“He will also be an important player for us this season and he has shown it again. He did it last week as well, and so has he over the last few years,” he added.
The message from Liverpool’s captain is clear. Gakpo is not simply another option in the squad.
He is a player Liverpool see as an important part of their plans for the season.
Two Assists Put Gakpo in the Spotlight
Gakpo’s contribution against Ipswich was impossible to overlook.
Liverpool scored twice through Alexander Isak, with both goals coming early in the match. Gakpo supplied the assists, helping the Swedish striker make the most of his opportunities.
The combination was one of the biggest talking points from Liverpool’s 2-0 victory.
Gakpo found the right spaces and delivered accurate passes, while Isak provided the finishing quality. Together, they gave Liverpool an attacking combination that could become increasingly important.
Gakpo’s latest performance also continued his strong recent form.
He has now recorded three assists across his last two appearances for Liverpool, highlighting his growing influence as a creator.
Gakpo’s recent contribution
- Two assists against Ipswich Town
- Three assists across his last two Liverpool appearances
- Important role in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory
- Increasing influence as a chance creator
- Valuable versatility in the forward line
Those numbers help explain why Liverpool were unwilling to let him leave during the summer.
Liverpool’s Decision to Keep Gakpo Looks Increasingly Valuable
Gakpo was one of the most discussed Liverpool players during the summer transfer window.
Manchester City were reportedly interested in signing the Netherlands international with an offer of around $115 million. Tottenham Hotspur were also linked with the player.
Liverpool ultimately decided to keep him at Anfield.
That decision is now looking increasingly significant.
Gakpo has been part of Liverpool’s squad for several seasons and has continued to demonstrate his ability to contribute in different ways. His latest performances suggest he can have an important role under manager Andoni Iraola.
Rather than simply being a goalscorer, Gakpo can create opportunities for teammates and provide tactical flexibility in attack.
That versatility could be particularly valuable over the course of a long campaign.
Gakpo Focuses on the Team Rather Than Himself
Despite producing two assists against Ipswich, Gakpo was more interested in discussing Liverpool’s victory than his individual statistics.
The three points were particularly important after Liverpool had drawn their opening two Premier League matches.
“It was a good game for us, although there are some things we have to improve. This win was really needed. I’m happy we got the three points with the performance we showed,” Gakpo said.
The result lifted Liverpool to five points from their first three Premier League matches.
More importantly, the team responded positively after struggling with slow starts in their previous matches.
Liverpool were aggressive from the beginning against Ipswich and quickly established control. Isak’s two early goals gave them the platform to manage the rest of the game.
For Gakpo, the result mattered more than his personal contribution.
Gakpo Could Be Crucial as Liverpool’s Schedule Gets Busier
Liverpool’s first win of the season has arrived at an important moment.
The Reds are now preparing for their opening Champions League match, with Atletico Madrid due to visit Anfield on Wednesday.
Just three days later, Liverpool will return to Premier League action at home against Fulham.
The demanding schedule makes squad depth increasingly important.
In that situation, Gakpo’s versatility could become one of Liverpool’s biggest advantages. His ability to operate in different attacking positions gives Iraola another option when managing his squad and adjusting his tactics.
His creativity also adds another layer to Liverpool’s attack.
With Isak now finding the net regularly and Gakpo providing chances, Liverpool have already shown signs of developing an effective attacking partnership.
Van Dijk’s Confidence Could Prove Significant
There is still a long way to go in the season, but Gakpo’s recent performances have given Liverpool plenty of encouragement.
The decision to reject interest from Manchester City and keep the Dutchman at Anfield came with expectations. Gakpo is now beginning to justify the club’s decision through his performances.
Van Dijk’s comments also underline the confidence Liverpool have in the forward.
For a team competing across multiple competitions, having a player who can score, create chances and operate in different attacking positions is a major asset.
Gakpo has already made his contribution this season.
With the Champions League now approaching and Liverpool facing a busy schedule, his role could become even more important.
If his understanding with Isak continues to develop, Liverpool may have found another attacking combination capable of making a difference throughout the campaign.
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