Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool Revival Gives Andoni Iraola an Early Lift

There is something deeply satisfying about seeing a player drag himself back into the fight. Cody Gakpo looked lost far too often last season, a talented footballer carrying the weight of poor form and a team going nowhere. Now, a few weeks into the new campaign, he looks sharper, livelier and far more like a man with a point to prove.

That change has not gone unnoticed. In his Liverpool Echo column, John Aldridge summed it up neatly: “Cody Gakpo looks like he has a new lease of Liverpool life this season – and long may it continue.” It is hard to argue with that after the Dutch forward opened the season with a goal and three assists under Andoni Iraola.

Gakpo form offers fresh optimism

Last season was grim for Gakpo and grim for Liverpool. Nine goals across a difficult 2025/26 campaign was nowhere near enough, and his performances often reflected a squad that had lost its way. There were moments when he looked short of belief, and when a possible £85m move to Manchester City emerged late in the window, it felt as though the club might be ready to move on.

Instead, Liverpool held their nerve. Aldridge wrote: “We know broadly what happened towards the end of the transfer window, when it looked like was going to be joining Manchester City in a deal worth £85m, but it was decided that Gakpo would be staying put and maybe it’s given him a kick up the backside?” Whether that near-exit sharpened his edge or simply cleared his head, the early signs have been excellent.

Alexander Isak partnership already looks promising

Forwards need chemistry and Gakpo is beginning to find it with Alexander Isak. Liverpool’s new attacking focal point thrives on movement, angles and quick service, and Gakpo has supplied exactly that. The understanding is still young, but it already carries a threat that defenders do not enjoy facing.

Aldridge’s assessment captures the mood around the pair: “He has been as good as anyone in a Liverpool shirt since the season started and his two assists on Friday night at Ipswich were fantastic.” He then added: “He’s a quality player, we have known that for a number of years, but it feels as though he is determined to make up for lost time after a tough campaign for everyone concerned last time out.”

That determination matters. Liverpool do not need passengers this season. They need players willing to respond after last year’s collapse, and Gakpo appears to be doing exactly that. His excellent goal against Newcastle and the service he has provided Isak suggest this is no fluke burst of form.

Iraola needs this version of Gakpo

Iraola has inherited a squad in need of energy, honesty and forward thrust. Gakpo giving him all three is a major bonus. With Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola added to the attacking options, there was every chance the Dutchman could have drifted into the background. Instead, he is making himself very difficult to leave out.

There will be tougher tests ahead, and Liverpool’s schedule will become more demanding as the weeks roll on. Rotation will come, dips in form will happen and no player keeps sparkling every match. Even so, Gakpo has given himself a platform. More importantly, he has given Liverpool a weapon they badly need.

If this is a revival, it has arrived at the right time. Liverpool need players who can reset the tone after a poor year. Right now, Cody Gakpo is doing precisely that.

Our View

As Liverpool fans, this is exactly the sort of story we want to see unfold. Supporters will always back talent, but what really wins people over is a player showing character when things have gone wrong. Gakpo had every reason to disappear after last season. His numbers were poor, confidence looked low and plenty were wondering whether his future lay elsewhere. Instead, he has come back swinging.

What is most encouraging is that his impact has substance. This is not a player living off one decent display or a lucky goal. He is creating, linking play and looking far more in tune with the runners around him. The connection with Isak already feels natural, and that should excite everyone inside Anfield.

There is also a wider point here. A healthy squad needs players to respond to pressure, not hide from it. Gakpo seems to have used the transfer noise and last season’s disappointment as fuel, and Liverpool are better for it. If he keeps this standard up, he will not just be a useful option, he will be central to how Iraola wants this side to play. From a fan’s perspective, that is brilliant to see, and long may it last.

Source: John Aldridge in his column for the Liverpool Echo