Carragher warns Barcola he faces a fight to start as Gakpo shines in Liverpool's win over Ipswich

Cody Gakpo delivered a two-assist performance as Liverpool beat Ipswich Town 2-0 at Portman Road on Friday night, giving manager Andoni Iraola his first league win of the season and raising fresh questions about where £123 million summer signing Bradley Barcola fits into the picture.

Alexander Isak settled the contest inside the opening 10 minutes, first rifling past goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen and then losing marker Jacob Greaves to finish underneath him — both goals created by Gakpo. It was a continuation of the Dutchman’s bright start to the campaign, having scored at Newcastle and assisted Isak in the draw with Nottingham Forest.

The result was Liverpool’s first win after back-to-back 2-2 draws under Iraola, and Gakpo’s form drew an immediate reaction from Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher. “Barcola is going to struggle to get a game with this version of Gakpo,” Carragher posted on X after the final whistle.

Barcola, signed from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, came off the bench in the 64th minute to replace fellow new arrival Victor Munoz — his first competitive appearance for the club. Iraola was measured in his assessment of where the Frenchman stands.

“I think Bradley hadn’t played a single minute since the World Cup so we needed to be careful,” the Liverpool head coach said. “I think he is training well, in a good place, and I think that he has helped us. Thirty minutes is going to be good for his fitness, for his build-up, and we will continue — now we play a lot of games, so he will have a chance to play more.”

Iraola elaborated on the need for patience: “He hasn’t played any pre-season minutes. I don’t think he will need something like a very special build-up, but we have to be aware that he hasn’t been playing in a while and the demands of the games are very different from training.”

Gakpo’s own situation had been the subject of considerable speculation during the transfer window. The Netherlands international indicated a preference for a move to Manchester City over Tottenham in the closing stages of the window, but the reported £85 million deal never materialised. City ultimately signed Iliman Ndiaye from Everton for £65 million on deadline day.

Iraola dismissed any concern about Gakpo’s mindset following the failed transfer. “I have no doubt with Cody. He has been very good all pre-season, has started very well this season, producing numbers,” he said. “Today again, after the two assists, he finishes at number nine to help us close the game. It’s good to have Cody because he can play in different positions.”

With Liverpool’s schedule set to intensify, Iraola suggested Barcola will get his opportunities — but Gakpo’s current form means the Frenchman may need to be patient before earning a starting berth.