Liverpool got their first Premier League win under Andoni Iraola as they beat Ipswich Town 2-0 at Portman Road.
Two goals in quick succession from Alexander Isak – both brilliantly set up by Cody Gakpo – did the job for the Reds as they also kept a clean sheet on their travels.
Ronald Araujo also impressed on his full debut for the club, while big-money signing Bradley Barcola came on as a second-half substitute to bask in his first few minutes as a Liverpool player.
However, it was Gakpo who caught Virgil van Dijk’s eye as he heaped praise on his compatriot for his performance.
Cody Gakpo stars for Liverpool vs Ipswich
Gakpo’s brilliant through ball sent Isak clean through on goal and the striker did the rest from just inside the box as he beat Kjell Scherpen at his near post.
Minutes later, it was the same combination again as the Dutchman once again found Isak, who cleverly beat Scherpen again with a left-footed finish.
Gakpo was instrumental for both goals and produced a great performance overall before being subbed off in the second half.
And Van Dijk feels Liverpool did the right thing by keeping him amid late transfer interest from Manchester City.
“I think we were a little bit more direct in the beginning,” said Van Dijk via the BBC after the game.
“That is what we wanted to do to put the danger in their half and create a bit of chaos. Great goals. Cody was outstanding. Great win, and on to the next.”
“Massive. I said it before the transfer window had closed, he’s important for us, and he will be important this season.
“He showed it again today; he showed it last week as well, and over the last couple of years. [He needs to] just keep going.”
