Jamie Carragher has suggested Bradley Barcola might find it difficult to break into Liverpool's starting XI following Cody Gakpo's impressive display against Ipswich Town. The two sides met at Portman Road for Friday evening's Premier League encounter, with the Netherlands international lining up on the left flank.
Alexander Isak led the line centrally while Victor Munoz offered attacking threat down the right. Barcola, who completed his move to the Reds from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal potentially worth £123million earlier in the week, remained among the substitutes due to the timing of his switch.
Carragher's light-hearted warning
Nevertheless, Liverpool icon Carragher quipped that the Frenchman might remain there throughout the campaign, given Gakpo's blistering start against the Tractor Boys in Suffolk. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the Sky Sports analyst commented: "Barcola is going to struggle to get a game with this version of Gakpo," accompanied by laughing and fire emojis.
Gakpo registered an assist just six minutes into the contest, expertly picking out Isak before the striker hammered past Kjell Scherpen at his near post. Only three minutes later, the pair combined once again. Gakpo collected the ball at the halfway line from Virgil van Dijk, controlled it with a touch, before threading it through to Isak again using the outside of his boot.
Gakpo's strong start to the season
The Sweden international still had work to do as he went head-to-head with Jacob Greaves, turning the defender inside out before slotting it into the near corner. This isn't the only occasion Gakpo has made his presence felt this campaign. The attacker played a crucial role against Newcastle United on the opening weekend with a stunning second-half effort from distance.
He also played 71 minutes during Liverpool's stalemate with Nottingham Forest last weekend. Gakpo might feel he has a point to make after an uncertain summer at Anfield.
Transfer speculation and future
The Eindhoven native was strongly tipped for a departure from Merseyside mere days ago, with Tottenham Hotspur maintaining prolonged interest. Manchester City had also shown interest in acquiring Gakpo, having offloaded Savio to north London.
Yet a transfer never materialised, with Gakpo now set to stay at his present club until at least January. Iraola recently revealed how he kept in regular communication with the winger during the transfer speculation. He explained: "My relationship with Cody has been very honest from the beginning. He has played very well for us so far."
"He was always aware of the situation in the market, we were constantly talking, I hope we can keep him at the same level. He is in a good place physically and mentally and I'm very happy to pick him."
