Jamie Carragher has been full of praise for Cody Gakpo as the Liverpool star showed exactly why he is in the team against Ipswich Town.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool
Jamie Carragher has raved about Cody Gakpo(Image: (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))
Jamie Carragher has claimed that Cody Gakpo's form could keep Bradley Barcola out of the team for Liverpool, following an outstanding start to the season for the forward.
It came after the Netherlands international kept his place on the left flank against Ipswich Town, having picked up one goal and one assist in his opening two games.
Those impressive displays were coming while the 27-year-old was being linked with a potential exit from the club, as Tottenham and Manchester City made an approach that was ultimately turned down by the Reds.
After those links, Gakpo got back down to work again and showed his quality for the side, starting over new signing Barcola on the left and quickly picking up where he left off.
Within the first ten minutes of the clash with Ipswich, Gakpo managed to feed Alexander Isak through, and the Swedish international responded in kind with two strikes to give Liverpool an advantage.
It has continued a fine start for the forward, with former defender Carragher singing his praises on social media, sending a message to Barcola in the process.
He said: "Barcola is going to struggle to get a game with this version of Gakpo," underlining just how impressive the star has looked so far under Iraola.
Liverpool will certainly be hoping that version of Gakpo can continue to show his best form, following a rather frustrating campaign last time out.
The 27-year-old has always been a solid option for the Reds, with 51 goals and 26 assists in 183 appearances, but the new head coach could help the star take that to an all-new level.
Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo has been in good form so far this season(Image: Getty Images)
It would help take some pressure off Barcola from having to start immediately, with the French winger only joining earlier this week from PSG for $166 million.
The 23-year-old has not had a full preseason, and is lacking minutes, so an easy introduction into building fitness without the pressure of performing straight away will certainly help him ease into action.
It remains to be seen how the duo will work, especially if Gakpo's form continues, with an important season coming up for both players.