Andoni Iraola talked Cody Gakpo, the quality of the goals scored and the latest on Joe Gomez after Liverpool's 3-1 Carabao Cup win at home to Tottenham Hotspur
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool celebrates after scoring their team's first goal with Cody Gakpo during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on September 15, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo, whose goals set Liverpool on their way to victory over Tottenham Hotspur, celebrate during the Carabao Cup clash at Anfield (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
View Image
Andoni Iraola hailed Cody Gakpo after the revitalised forward played a starring role for a much-changed Liverpool side as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 to reach the fourth round of the League Cup.
Gakpo, who was close to leaving the Reds during the summer transfer window amid interest from both Tottenham and Manchester City, was involved in all three goals as he scored one, set up Dominik Szoboszlais stunning stoppage-time clincher and played a vital role in the build-up to Alexis Mac Allister's opener.
Those contributions ensured the Dutchman continued his fine start to the campaign, which sees him boast two goals and four assists from just appearances in all competitions.
And Iraola reiterated just how important Gakpo is to his side when speaking after the final whistle. “Cody gives us not just the goals and the assists,” the Liverpool head coach said.
“He gives us also physicality, he is calm on the ball and also players like him, Ronald (Araujo) and Alexis, in a team that is quite young, I think his experience has helped us a lot.
“The three goals we scored were very good goals. The origin of the first and second goals are also very important for us but the third goal is a worldie, it is outstanding.
“The thing with Dom is that before shooting, you are trusting he might score. With another player you are thinking it’s maybe too far but with Dom everyone is thinking he might score.”
Meanwhile, Iraola also confirmed that his decision to withdraw Joe Gomez at half-time was pre-planned as the Liverpool vice-captain made his return from injury following a two-month lay-off.
“Yes, it was (planned),” he confirmed. “I think Joe has been doing the recovery very well.
“With him it makes sense. It wasn’t set but the plan was not a lot more than 45, yes.”
The Reds return to action on Sunday when they head to Iraola's former club Bournemouth in their final Premier League match before the international break.