We all thought that Cody Gakpo was on his way out of Liverpool in the summer but, after a move to Man City collapsed on the last day of the transfer window, the Dutch winger will now remain a Red, until January at least.
“Cody’s a very smart player,” said Andoni Iraola during Thursday’s press conference ahead of Friday’s game at Ipswich Town.
“I think also my relationship with him has been very honest since the beginning. He has performed with us, I would say, very well in all the pre-season games, in all of the games. He scored the first day, assisted the next one.
“He was always aware of the situations in the market. We were constantly talking with each other. He’s trained very well and I hope we keep him in the same level.
“I’m sure it’s going to be like this. I think he’s now in a good place physically, mentally, and I’m very happy to keep Cody because for me he’s a very valuable player.
After his failed move to City, Gakpo now needs to show his maturity and knuckle down at Liverpool.
He’s made an impressive start to the season, starting both the 2-2 Premier League draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, in which he scored and assisted.
While Gakpo underwhelmed last season, registering nine goals and six assists in 52 appearances in all competitions, so did the rest of the team as Arne Slot struggled tactically throughout the season.
Gakpo is still seen as an important part of Iraola’s plans, as evidenced by his two starts this campaign so far and the comments he has made today.
It’s now up to the player to prove his worth in a red shirt on the field.
