**Former Liverpool player Jason McAteer has heaped praise on Cody Gakpo, also backing him to be a regular starter in a different position under Andoni Iraola.**
The Dutchman is still a Reds player, despite him nearly joining Manchester City late in the summer transfer window, and he has made an impressive start to the season.
Gakpo has shown admirable professionalism, providing three assists for Alexander Isak already in 2026/27, and not allowing his disappointment to get the better of him.
Speaking to [_TEAMtalk_](https://www.teamtalk.com/liverpool/cody-gakpo-primed-new-role-iraolas-barcola-masterplan-exclusive), McAteer has lauded the 27-year-old, also backing him to get regular starts on the right wing after the arrival of Bradley Barcola:
_“It’s been framed as Gakpo needing to find a way back, but I wouldn’t say it’s like that at all. He’s had a fantastic start to the season, scoring goals and being heavily involved in Liverpool’s best moments in their games so far. Barcola predominantly plays on the left – he played on the right for PSG, but left is his main spot._
_“Cody started on the right against Forest, and while it didn’t quite click, he’s far more suited to the left or down the middle, where we’ve seen his quality for the Netherlands and Liverpool. But there is a role for him at Anfield this season, make no mistake._
_“Beyond the pitch, you need leadership in the dressing room. Cody’s experience is hugely valuable, especially with Virgil van Dijk losing leaders like \[Mohamed\] Salah and Andy Robertson from that core leadership group. I’m not a fan of the transfer window remaining open once the season has started – it unsettles players and managers._
_“Cody’s performances were fantastic, and then his head got turned by a potential move that was on, then off, then on again. That’s a prime example of why the window should close earlier._
_“But now he’s staying, that right-hand side is still up for grabs. Nobody has cemented it down. Victor Muñoz has also done well there so will compete with Gakpo. But Gakpo will get plenty of game time, either filling in down the middle if Isak is out, or operating on the right.”_
**Can Cody Gakpo be a regular right winger for Liverpool?**
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Gakpo certainly doesn’t deserve to lose his place in Liverpool’s team on current form, but at the same time, Iraola knows the left-sided berth is Barcola’s, following his big-money move from Paris Saint-Germain.
While using Gakpo on the right isn’t ideal – he looks more dangerous cutting inside on the opposite flank – there isn’t a standout option there currently, and he is as good a choice as anyone.
Victor Munoz looks bright, but is still adjusting to the pace and power of the Premier League, while Rio Ngumoha looks far more effective as a left winger.
It is great that Gakpo stayed put, in hindsight, and even if he does become more of a squad player, he can thrive across the attack and is an excellent option for Iraola.