Cody Gakpo has started the new campaign impressively for Liverpool, with a goal and three assists in three Premier League fixtures, despite a summer of uncertainty that saw a proposed £85m move to Manchester City break down.
The Netherlands forward was a target for City, who joined Tottenham Hotspur as potential suitors, with talks intensifying after the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest last month. Gakpo played in an unfamiliar right-wing role under head coach Andoni Iraola in that game, having supplied an assist for Alexander Isak.
Van Dijk Backs Gakpo
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has highlighted the difficulties Gakpo has faced, saying: "I don't think only this season (he has been important). Obviously over the last seasons anyway. So yeah, I'm glad he stayed. I don't think anyone knows what he's been through."
"So I don't think it's easy for the outside world to see what he's had on his plate. What the reality is, I don't think anyone needs to know that. But his reality is he's here with us and he wants to be important for us. And he showed it already over numerous games, including the last two games before tonight and today again," Van Dijk added after Friday's 2-0 win over Ipswich Town.
Influential Start
Gakpo's three assists have all been for Isak, including a sharp turn and inch-perfect pass against Forest and an outside-of-the-foot pass to set up the second goal at Ipswich. The 27-year-old, who under-performed in Arne Slot's second season, is already hinting at a return to his best form.
With the arrival of Bradley Barcola as the club's second most expensive signing at £123m, Gakpo may need to take opportunities on the right side, but his early performances suggest he will remain an influential figure for Iraola's squad.
