Andoni Iraola backs Cody Gakpo to be a key figure at Liverpool: "He has been one of our best players"

With the transfer window still open until Tuesday 1 September, the futures of numerous Liverpool players remains uncertain. Well, this is no more so the case than with Cody Gakpo. The Netherlands international has been repeatedly strongly linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

However, given that Spurs are poised to sign Savinho from Manchester City for £75 million, it now seems likely that Gakpo will remain on Merseyside. Speaking at his press conference ahead of Liverpool's Premier League opener against Newcastle, head coach Andoni Iraola was asked how important he believes Gakpo will be and had this to say:

"Cody is performing well, has been since first day, understanding everything we need. You can feel it straight away, he is smart, understands the game. He has been one of our best players in the friendlies, performing well. I cannot tell you the XI, but he is in a good shape."

Andoni Iraola

This does suggest that Gakpo's name will be in the starting lineup when the team sheets drop at St James' Park on Sunday at around 3:15pm (BST). Despite Netherlands' relatively early exit, crashing out of the World Cup in the round of 32, the 27 year old did not travel back to the U.S. for the Reds' pre-season tour, instead given a slightly extended break.

He was though involved in both Anfield friendlies, seeing an hour against Monaco and then 73 minutes when Como visited last Sunday. In the latter, a 2-0 win, it was Gakpo who broke the deadlock, set up by Jeremie Frimpong, before turning provider, his low cross tapped home by Jérémy Jacquet.

Thus, until Bradley Barcola arrives, which may or may not happen, Gakpo remains the Reds' starting left-winger; Víctor Muñoz and teenager Rio Ngumoha are the other options. However, another reason Liverpool simply cannot afford to sell him is his versatility.

With Hugo Ekitiké set to miss pretty much the entire season injured, Alexander Isak is the only senior centre-forward available to Iraola; 18 year old Will Wright saw some minutes during pre-season. Thus, Iraola had this to say when asked if Gakpo is an option to be the central striker:

"I think Cody can play as a nine. Not tried it pre-season because we don't have enough wingers. He knows what we need from him in his preferred position as a left-winger but I have spoken to him about his minutes as a nine. He's done it before and he can help us there. "

Andoni Iraola

This underlines that, even if Liverpool do spend big on wingers in the next week and a half, Gakpo will remain an important figure. Isak cannot be expected to play every minute of every game, especially considering he suffered a fractured fibula in the left ankle against Tottenham last December.

Given that they have Ekitiké to come back, it is understandable why the club hierarchy are hesitant to spend big on another centre-forward, even if this leaves them a bit short this season. Since arriving from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, more than half of Gakpo's outings for the Reds have come on the left flank which, as Iraola mentions, is "his preferred position".

However, around 37% of his outings have come as the central striker, albeit this is something Jürgen Klopp seemingly liked more than Arne Slot. Nevertheless, Gakpo as the nine could suit Iraola's all action, high energy system, even if Isak's reputation, price tag and overall quality will ensure he starts when available.

For now, the 27 year old will be deployed on the left wing, set to start on Tyneside on Sunday. In seven Premier League meetings with Newcastle, Gakpo has scored two goals and registered two assists, so could he be the difference again?

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