Alexander Isak stole the limelight in the first-half of Liverpool's Premier League clash with Ipswich Town, but Jamie Carragher had his eyes on one of the striker's team-mates
Bradley Barcola looks
Jamie Carragher issued Bradley Barcola a light-hearted warning(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
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Jamie Carragher jokingly warned Bradley Barcola that he may struggle to get into Andoni Iraola's Liverpool first-team, as Cody Gakpo found his footing against Ipswich Town. The two sides clashed at Portman Road in the Premier League on Friday evening, with the Dutchman starting on the left.
Alexander Isak played through the middle while Victor Munoz provided an attacking edge on the right. Barcola, who joined the Reds in a deal with Paris Saint-Germain worth up to £123million earlier this week, was ultimately reserved on the bench - given the timing of his arrival at the club.
However, Liverpool legend Carragher joked that he could stay there this season, considering Gakpo turned the heat up against the Tractor Boys early doors in Suffolk. Taking to X, the Sky Sports pundit wrote: "Barcola is going to struggle to get a game with this version of Gakpo," with laughing and fire emojis, complementing the 27-year-old's part in the match.
It comes as Gakpo bagged an assist just six minutes into the match, finding Isak bursting through the Ipswich backline before firing past Kjell Scherpen with power at his near post. Just three minutes later, and the two were back at it once more.
Gakpo received the ball on the half-way line from Virgil van Dijk, taking a touch, before finding Isak once more with the outside of his boot. The Swedish striker had a little more work to do as he found himself one-on-one with Jacob Greaves, turning the centre-half inside-out before placing it into the near corner.
It's not the first match that Gakpo has had an impact on this season, either. The forward helped his side clinch a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United on opening day at St James' Park with a sensational second-half strike from the edge of the area.
He also featured for 71 minutes in Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at the weekend. Gakpo may feel as he has something to prove following a summer of uncertainty at Anfield.
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The Eindhoven-born forward was heavily linked with a move away from Merseyside just a matter of days ago, with Tottenham Hotspur holding a long-term interest. Manchester City also found themselves linked with Gakpo, having offloaded Savio to North London.
However, a deal ultimately failed to come to fruition, with Gakpo now remaining with his current club until January at the earliest. And Iraola has now spoken about how he maintained close contact with the winger throughout the transfer saga.
He explained: "My relationship with Cody has been very honest from the beginning. He has played very well for us so far.
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"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."
It comes as Barcola may have to bide his time and wait in the wings, should he hope to play on his preferred left, with Gakpo demonstrating he won't simply surrender his place in the starting XI.
However, the 23-year-old new boy could also be utilised on the right, should Iraola fancy a change-up for Munoz - who has also looked bright early doors this season.