Cody Gakpo was in fine form for Liverpool as the Reds beat Tottenham 3-1 in the Carabao Cup, with the Dutchman playing a key role in all three goals as Andoni Iraola delivered his verdict
Andoni Iraola has spoken about Cody Gakpo's performance against Tottenham
Andoni Iraola has spoken about Cody Gakpo's performance against Tottenham(Image: Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola praised Cody Gakpo following the rejuvenated forward's standout performance for a heavily rotated Liverpool team, as the Reds defeated Tottenham 3-1 to progress to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup
Gakpo, who came close to departing Anfield during the summer window with interest from both Tottenham and Manchester City, contributed to all three goals by netting one, assisting Dominik Szoboszlai's spectacular stoppage-time strike and playing a crucial part in the build-up to Alexis Mac Allister's opening goal.
These contributions meant the Netherlands international maintained his impressive start to the season, now registering two goals and four assists from just appearances across all competitions.
Iraola emphasized Gakpo's significance to his squad in his post-match comments. "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.
Gakpo celebrates with his Liverpool teammates after scoring against Tottenham
Gakpo celebrates with his Liverpool teammates after scoring against Tottenham(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
"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."
Iraola also revealed that his choice to substitute Joe Gomez at the interval had been decided in advance, as the Liverpool vice-captain made his long-awaited comeback from injury following a two-month absence.
"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 Premier League action on Sunday when they travel to Iraola's former side, Bournemouth, in their last top-flight fixture ahead of the international break.
Liverpool is currently ninth in the Premier League table after picking up six points from four games.
Iraola is yet to taste defeat in a competitive game as Reds boss.