{"id":1189286,"date":"2026-09-06T08:11:16","date_gmt":"2026-09-06T08:11:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1189286\/"},"modified":"2026-09-06T08:11:16","modified_gmt":"2026-09-06T08:11:16","slug":"liverpool-cody-gakpo-new-role-revealed-with-andoni-iraola-masterplan-for-bradley-barcola","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1189286\/","title":{"rendered":"Liverpool: Cody Gakpo ‘new role’ revealed with Andoni Iraola ‘masterplan’ for Bradley Barcola"},"content":{"rendered":"

A former Liverpool<\/a> star has predicted a \u2018new role\u2019 for Cody Gakpo following the summer arrival of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.<\/p>\n

For much of the summer, Gakpo<\/strong> <\/a>looked likely to leave Liverpool amid interest from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, but his current club ultimately opted to keep him.<\/p>\n

For a while, the Reds<\/strong><\/a> were willing to let Gakpo leave if they were offered around \u00a385m and had the time to sign a replacement, but they are likely glad that they kept the Dutchman.<\/p>\n

This is because Gakpo has arguably been Liverpool\u2019s best performer in the early weeks of this campaign, though he could have a \u2018new role\u2019 away from the left flank following Barcola\u2019s move to Anfield.<\/p>\n

This is according to ex-Liverpool star Jason McAteer, who has told our colleagues at TEAMtalk that<\/a> Gakpo will have a different role this season partly due to head coach Andoni Iraola\u2019s \u2018masterplan\u2019 for Barcola.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been framed as Gakpo needing to find a way back, but I wouldn\u2019t say it\u2019s like that at all,\u201d McAteer told TEAMtalk on behalf of 10bet.<\/a><\/p>\n

READ: \u2018Klopp vibes\u2019 about Liverpool after best performance for a year<\/a>
<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s had a fantastic start to the season, scoring goals and being heavily involved in Liverpool\u2019s best moments in their games so far.<\/p>\n

\u201cBarcola predominantly plays on the left \u2013 he played on the right for PSG, but left is his main spot.<\/p>\n

\u201cCody started on the right against Forest, and while it didn\u2019t quite click, he\u2019s far more suited to the left or down the middle, where we\u2019ve seen his quality for the Netherlands and Liverpool.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut there is a role for him at Anfield this season, make no mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCody\u2019s experience is hugely valuable\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

McAteer has also argued that Gakpo could also have a key part to play off the pitch this season.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeyond the pitch, you need leadership in the dressing room. Cody\u2019s experience is hugely valuable, especially with Virgil van Dijk losing leaders like [Mohamed] Salah and Andy Robertson from that core leadership group,\u201d McAteer added.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Isak and Gakpo combine twice as rejuvenated Liverpool attack clicks into gear even before Barcola\u2019s bow<\/a>
<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a fan of the transfer window remaining open once the season has started \u2013 it unsettles players and managers.<\/p>\n

\u201cCody\u2019s performances were fantastic, and then his head got turned by a potential move that was on, then off, then on again. That\u2019s a prime example of why the window should close earlier.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut now he\u2019s staying, that right-hand side is still up for grabs. Nobody has cemented it down.<\/p>\n

\u201cVictor Mu\u00f1oz has also done well there so will compete with Gakpo.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Gakpo will get plenty of game time, either filling in down the middle if Isak is out, or operating on the right.\u201d<\/p>\n

READ NEXT: Romano reveals huge Liverpool transfer boost as \u2018furious\u2019 Chelsea hand Camara over<\/a>
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