Andoni Iraola said he has no doubts about Cody Gakpo after the Dutch forward set up both goals in Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League win at Ipswich Town on Friday.Gakpo provided the assists for Alexander Isak’s strikes in the sixth and ninth minutes at Portman Road. The result was Iraola’s first league victory since taking charge at Anfield.Liverpool had blocked a late transfer window move for Gakpo to Manchester City. City submitted a bid reported at around £80 million to £85 million. Tottenham Hotspur had also shown interest. Liverpool decided not to sell after talks for replacements Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr did not progress.Iraola addressed Gakpo’s situation after the match.Iraola said: ‘I had no doubt with Cody. He has been very good all of pre-season. He has started very well this season, producing numbers.’He added: ‘I think Cody knows how much we value him. I think there is no doubt. I rate him very highly.’Gakpo started on the left and later moved to the number nine role to help Liverpool close out the game.Iraola said: ‘Today, after two assists, he finished as number nine to help us close the game. I think it is good to have Cody because he can play in the three positions up top.’The head coach also pointed to competition for places among the attacking players.Iraola said: ‘He has strong competition for minutes because we have good players in those positions, and it is a matter of pushing each other. With Bradley, with Rio, with Victor. Sometimes they will start, sometimes they will come from the bench, sometimes they will not play. But this competition is going to be good for our game.’Before the Ipswich fixture Iraola had described Gakpo as a smart player and said their talks throughout the window had been honest.Iraola said then: ‘He was always aware of the situation in the market. We were constantly talking with each other. He has trained very well and I hope we can keep him at the same level. He’s in a good place physically, mentally. I’m very happy to keep Cody, because he’s a very valuable player.’Gakpo himself spoke after the win.Gakpo said: ‘Hopefully we will do some many beautiful things together! I am happy.’Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League table with five points from three matches. Gakpo remains in the squad for the next fixtures.
