4 hours ago
1
Virgil Van Dijk insists no-one knows what Cody Gakpo has been through and hailed the Dutchman after his two assists helped Liverpool to their first win of the season.
Gakpo has had a turbulent and heartbreaking summer that started with his partner losing a pregnancy during the World Cup. He then nearly completed an £80million move to Manchester City.
But on the pitch, the forward has started this season in electric form, scoring one and assisting three. Two of those were to set up Alexander Isak for a brace at Ipswich on Friday night.
And captain Van Dijk said: 'I don't think anyone knows what he has been through, so it is not easy for the outside world.
'But the reality is he is here with us, and he wants to be important for us. He showed it already over numerous games, including already the last two games before tonight and then today again. Now it is on to the next game.'
Van Dijk pleaded with his compatriot to stay and, asked about Gakpo's importance so far this term, said: 'I don't think only this season. Obviously over the last seasons. I'm glad he stayed and on to many more good games.'
Cody Gakpo starred for Liverpool, producing two assists against Ipswich Town
On goal-scorer Isak, Van Dijk added: 'He had a terrible injury and I think a lot of people would take a lot of time to come back from it. That was very unfortunate. But he worked so hard behind the scenes.
'We know there is obviously pressure with him coming to the club for a big amount, and everyone wants him to perform. I think he had a great World Cup and he had a great pre-season in my opinion and I think he had a good start to the season, so I think he is only going to get better.'
