Journalist James Pearce has hailed Cody Gakpo’s performance in Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Ipswich, showing a great attitude after not joining Manchester City.
It was a significant night for Andoni Iraola, who picked up his first victory in charge of the Reds, as his side sealed their maiden three points of the season.
Alexander Isak was Liverpool’s hero on the night, scoring twice early on and picking up some much-needed confidence, but there were plenty of others who shone, too.
Gakpo assisted both of the Swede’s strikes at Portman Road, continuing his impressive start to the campaign, and James Pearce lauded his performance on X:
“It would have been crazy if Liverpool had sold Gakpo in order to sign either Minteh or Sarr. Gakpo has looked refreshed and energised since the appointment of Iraola. Had a bad season but was massively influential in title triumph of 24/25. Great to see him flourishing again.”
Hats off to Cody Gakpo for a superb attitude
Gakpo was excellent on Friday night, producing two inch-perfect passes to Isak, and he deserves so much credit for the professionalism he has shown.
Other players would have sulked, having not managed to get a transfer to City over the line when it looked on the cards, but he has knuckled down and improved a great deal since last season.
Bradley Barcola’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain could now relegate Gakpo to a squad role, but on this evidence, it isn’t going to be easy for Iraola to leave him out, praising him after the game:
“I have no doubt with Cody. He has been very good all the pre-season, has started very well this season, producing numbers. Today again, after the two assists, he finishes [the game at] No.9 to help us close the game. I think it’s good to have Cody because he can play in the three positions up top and to have him in this place for this beginning of the season is good.”
While some were happy to see Gakpo leave, assuming a couple more wingers had come in, he is showing why retaining his services could end up being a huge positive.