Liverpool star to have huge role for Andoni Iraola after major news emerges from Anfield

When Andoni Iraola took the Liverpool job, he probably expected things to be much easier than they have been.

The fact that the Reds drew 2-2 with Newcastle during their opening game of the season was a massive red flag and obviously made fans rather worried.

Iraola's heavy metal style of football is obviously a welcome change but, unless he gets new players in and, unless his current crop manages to adjust to his playing style quickly, some serious problems could arise.

Fans expect Liverpool to do much better this season than they did last term and, if they don't manage this, it'll feel a bit like a wasted season.

Because, realistically, they can't afford to go through another transitional season, even if that is what they really need.

So, the fact that one of the Reds' current players could be about to play a massive role for Iraola makes a lot of sense.

Cody Gakpo doesn't look likely to exit Liverpool this summer

One of the main Liverpool players to have been linked with an exit this summer is Cody Gakpo.

The 2025-26 season was far from the Dutchman's best in a Liverpool shirt which is why fans were kind of happy to see him go.

However, with it now becoming increasingly likely that only Bradley Barcola will be added to Liverpoool's attack this summer, they kind of need to keep hold of Gakpo.

The former PSV man was used as a left winger and a striker by Arne Slot but, this term, Iraola seems to also be using him as a right-winger in an attempt to get Isak the supply he needs.

Not only does this prove that Iraola sees Gakpo as an integral part of their plans but, the fact that Tottenham are now turning their attention away from the Dutchman means that he's almost certainly going to play a major role for Liverpool this term.

"For much of the window, Cody Gakpo has been the long-standing target, but Liverpool's own business has complicated that pursuit. The Reds want a second winger in alongside Bradley Barcola before they'll sanction Gakpo's exit, and they've had bids knocked back for both Ismaila Sarr and Yankuba Minteh in that pursuit," Football FanCast wrote.

"With Liverpool unable to resolve their own situation, Gakpo will for now stay put, with Andoni Iraola praising the Dutchman during his own press conference on Thursday.

"Spurs' attention has now turned Everton's Iliman Ndiaye, FFC sources understand, and the Lilywhites are even preparing an offer."

Cody Gakpo must prove his worth to Liverpool before it's too late

As mentioned, last season wasn't Gakpo's best.

This term could potentially be his last chance to prove why he deserves to be a Liverpool player.

However, if he ends up performing to the same standards as last term, fans will be regretting the Reds' decision to keep hold of him.

But, if Gakpo can prove that he deserves to be at Anfield and potentially get a decent number of goal contributions, then his prime years may not end up getting wasted.

Indeed, he's going to have to play a lot better than this when Barcola joins the club but, as he proved with Luis Diaz in the 2024-25 season, he may actually perform better with competition than without.

Here's hoping that he can finally get back to his best and Tottenham's decision to move away from the deal works in Liverpool's favour.