Liverpool faced a major decision over Cody Gakpo during the summer transfer window. With Manchester City reportedly prepared to offer around £80 million for the Dutch forward, the Reds had a choice to make.
They ultimately decided to keep him.
Just a few weeks into the new season, that decision is already looking increasingly justified. Gakpo has started the campaign strongly and played a decisive role in Liverpool’s latest Premier League victory, providing two assists for Alexander Isak in a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town.
For Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola, however, Gakpo’s importance was never in doubt.
“I had no doubts about Cody whatsoever,” Iraola said.
His confidence in the 27-year-old appears to be paying off at exactly the right time.
Iraola Never Doubted Cody Gakpo
Gakpo’s future at Anfield became one of the talking points of the summer.
The arrival of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain raised further questions about where Gakpo would fit into Liverpool’s attacking plans. Manchester City then reportedly entered the picture with an offer worth around £80 million.
Liverpool chose not to sell.
Iraola made it clear that the transfer speculation did not change his opinion of Gakpo. Instead, he believed the forward remained an important part of his plans from the beginning.
Gakpo had already impressed during pre-season and continued that form once competitive football began.
His early-season contribution included one goal and one assist across Liverpool’s first two matches. He then produced another influential performance against Ipswich.
Iraola also emphasized how highly he rates the Netherlands international.
“I think Cody knows how much we value him,” the Liverpool manager said.
That backing is particularly significant given the competition for places within Liverpool’s forward line.
Two Gakpo Assists Help Isak Shine
Gakpo’s biggest contribution against Ipswich came through his link-up with Alexander Isak.
The Dutch winger provided two assists for Isak, who scored both goals in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory.
The combination offered an encouraging glimpse of what Liverpool can produce with Gakpo creating opportunities and Isak finishing them.
Isak has now scored three goals at the start of the campaign. That figure already matches his Premier League goal tally from his first season, which was disrupted by various issues.
Iraola believes Isak can continue producing strong numbers if he remains fit and available.
However, the Liverpool manager does not want the striker to focus exclusively on scoring.
Iraola’s expectations for Isak include:
- Contributing to Liverpool’s overall attacking structure.
- Helping the team play effectively.
- Maintaining a strong position within the system.
- Taking advantage of scoring opportunities when they arrive.
- Staying fit and available for selection.
For Iraola, goals should be the result of good team football rather than the only objective.
That approach could also help explain why Gakpo’s role is so valuable.
Gakpo Gives Liverpool Tactical Flexibility
One of Gakpo’s biggest strengths is his versatility.
The Dutchman can operate in three different positions across the forward line, giving Iraola more flexibility when selecting his starting XI or making tactical changes during matches.
His performance against Ipswich highlighted that versatility.
After creating both of Isak’s goals, Gakpo was moved into the central striker role as Liverpool looked to protect their advantage.
That ability to change positions without necessarily changing personnel gives Liverpool another tactical option.
It also becomes increasingly valuable as the season progresses and the fixture schedule becomes more demanding.
Gakpo is not simply competing for one specific position. His flexibility allows Iraola to use him in different areas depending on the opposition and the circumstances of a match.
Competition for Places Is Growing
Despite Gakpo’s strong start, his position in the Liverpool lineup is not guaranteed.
The Reds have several attacking options competing for minutes, including Bradley Barcola, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz.
Rather than viewing the competition as a problem, Iraola sees it as something that can benefit the team.
Some players will start, others will come off the bench, while some may not feature in certain matches.
That competition could push Liverpool’s attacking players to maintain high standards throughout the season.
For Gakpo, it also means that his recent performances are important. The more consistently he contributes goals, assists and overall quality, the stronger his case becomes for regular involvement.
Iraola Finally Gets His First Liverpool Win
The victory over Ipswich was also significant for Iraola personally.
It marked his first win as Liverpool manager after the Reds opened the season with 2-2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool had been frustrated by conceding early goals in those two matches. Against Ipswich, they made a clear effort to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
The approach worked.
Liverpool started aggressively, applied pressure and controlled much of the first half. Although they were less threatening offensively after the break, they managed the game effectively and protected their advantage until the final whistle.
For Iraola, the three points were particularly important because he felt Liverpool’s previous results had not fully reflected their performances.
The win therefore provided more than just three points. It also offered evidence that the team was learning from its early-season setbacks.
Liverpool’s Gakpo Decision Could Become Crucial
The decision to reject Manchester City’s reported £80 million approach for Cody Gakpo was never going to be judged immediately.
Liverpool had to believe the Dutch forward could remain an important part of their plans despite increased competition in attack.
His start to the season is providing an encouraging answer.
Gakpo has already contributed goals and assists, while his two assists against Ipswich directly helped Liverpool secure their first victory of the campaign. His ability to play multiple attacking positions gives Iraola another valuable tactical weapon.
At the same time, Isak’s growing goal tally adds another dimension to Liverpool’s attack.
There is still a long season ahead, so it would be premature to declare Liverpool’s decision completely vindicated. But the early evidence is certainly positive.
Gakpo is playing with confidence, Iraola clearly trusts him, and his versatility gives Liverpool options that are difficult to replace.
For now, the decision to keep Cody Gakpo at Anfield looks increasingly difficult to question.
ALSO READ :
