Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo were the stars of the show for Liverpool as it beat Ipswich on Friday, with Virgil van Dijk enjoying the team's all-round performance at Portman Road
Alexander Isak applauds the Liverpool fans after his side won 2-0 at Ipswich.
Alexander Isak applauds the Liverpool fans after his side won 2-0 at Ipswich.(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk was delighted for Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo as the Liverpool duo put in an excellent first-half performance to win the points for Andoni Iraola's side at Ipswich on Friday.
Liverpool won its first match of the season with Isak netting an early brace. Gakpo, who was of interest to Manchester City during the summer transfer window but who ended up staying put, set both goals up with a couple of sensational passes.
"I think all of us did pretty well but obviously Alex is the one scoring two goals, and Cody two assists — great play by both of them," Van Dijk told reporters at Portman Road.
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"(Isak) had a terrible injury and I think a lot of people would take a lot of time to come back from it. That was very unfortunate.
"But he worked so hard behind the scenes. We know there is obviously pressure with him coming to the club for a big amount, and everyone wants him to perform.
"I think he had a great World Cup and he had a great pre-season in my opinion and I think he had a good start to the season, so I think he is only going to get better. I think he deserved that moment (celebrating with the fans at the end)."
Last week, when the summer window was still open, Van Dijk had outlined his desire for Gakpo to stay at Liverpool. And with the Reds unable to bring in more attackers beyond Bradley Barcola, the Dutchman did stay put.
Alexander Isak celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Ipswich.
Alexander Isak celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Ipswich.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"I don't think only this season," Van Dijk insisted when asked about Gakpo's importance to the team. "Obviously over the last seasons. I'm glad he stayed and on to many more good games.
"I don't think anyone knows what he has been through, so it is not easy for the outside world. But the reality is he is here with us, and he wants to be important for us.
"He showed it already over numerous games, including already the last two games before tonight and then today again. Now it is onto the next one."
In general, the Liverpool attack looked more dangerous. Alongside Isak and Gakpo, Victor Munoz was electric and Florian Wirtz looked livelier, with more movement ahead of him.
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: Cody Gakpo of Liverpool runs with the ball under pressure from Jacob Greaves of Ipswich Town during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Ipswich Town and Liverpool FC at Portman Road on September 04, 2026 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo impressed again in Liverpool's win over Ipswich(Image: Getty Images)
"The thing is, I know what we are capable of if we are all good," Van Dijk said. "At the end, it is a team game and you need everyone in order to be successful and good.
"We needed the frontline and the midfield to be solid as a unit with defending. And up front, they needed us to be solid at the back in order to be attacking in a good place.
"That is what happened. It has been a good week and now we have a good weekend to look forward to the Champions League."
As Van Dijk says, it was not only the Liverpool attack that looked better. In part because of the game-state — it is easier to look in control when you are 2-0 up rather than chasing the game as Liverpool has in recent matches — Iraola's men looked much calmer.
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That was also down to the performance of Ronald Araujo, the summer arrival on loan from Barcelona, who was a strong presence at the back.
Though he didn't do much going forward, Araujo provided a more stable base than Jeremie Frimpong and more than justified his selection.
"He can play both (positions) and he showed it today again," Van Dijk added. "We need everyone, so today the choice was for Ronald to play right-back. The next game, the manager could come up with something else."