Virgil van Dijk has insisted that Cody Gakpo will remain vital to Liverpool after his proposed move to Manchester City fell through. The Dutch forward was reportedly set to leave Anfield in the final days of the transfer window.
Tottenham Hotspur had been linked with Gakpo, but Manchester City moved ahead in the race. Gakpo reportedly agreed to join the Etihad club, but the deal collapsed for several reasons, including Liverpool's failure to secure a replacement.
Gakpo's strong start to the season
The Reds may be relieved the transfer did not happen, given Gakpo's importance to the team. He scored on the opening day of the season and provided an assist against Nottingham Forest. On Friday, he set up Alexander Isak twice in the match against Ipswich Town.
Speaking after that game, Van Dijk praised his club and international teammate. Asked how important Gakpo has been, he said: “Massively.
“Obviously I said before the transfer window was closed that he’s important for us and he will be important for us this season as well. And he showed it again today. Last week as well with the assists, over the last couple of years as well. So keep going.”
Manager's backing and partnership with Isak
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola echoed similar sentiments, saying he had no doubts about Gakpo's commitment. Speaking before the trip to Portman Road, he said: "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."
Gakpo is now expected to stay at Liverpool at least until January, and fans will hope his budding partnership with Isak continues to grow. Isak said: “We will see. Obviously as attackers, we always train with each other and try and get to know each other even better again. Hopefully we can assist each other many times so he owes me a few assists now.”
Upcoming fixtures
Liverpool return to action on Wednesday, starting their Champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid, followed by a home match against Fulham.
