Carragher warns Barcola will fight for minutes as Gakpo shines

The Reds secured their first three points with a 2‑0 victory at Portman Road on Friday night, but Jamie Carragher’s warning that Bradley Barcola will struggle for a game if Cody Gakpo maintains his brilliant form casts a shadow over the French forward’s prospects.

Early season win lifts spirits

The Reds opened the league campaign with a quick start at Portman Road on Friday night, beating Ipswich Town 2‑0 to claim their first three points. Alexander Isak struck twice inside the opening nine minutes, both times after brilliant play from Cody Gakpo, while Ipswich managed 14 attempts without reply.

Liverpool had begun the season with two 2‑2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, leaving Andoni Iraola’s side under fire from supporters and pundits.

Bradley Barcola arrived from Paris Saint‑Germain in the summer for a reported £123 million, a fee that sparked interest from Manchester City and Tottenham before he chose Anfield.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher took to X to claim, “Barcola is going to struggle to get a game with this version of Gakpo.” He added that the Dutch forward’s form could limit the French forward’s opportunities.

Virgil van Dijk praised Gakpo, saying, “Cody was outstanding. He’s important for us and he will be important this season as well,” reinforcing the striker’s importance.

Andoni Iraola described Isak as a massive player, noting that his demands will focus on more than just goals and that he is fit and in good shape. The Sweden international added, “We were waiting for the first win… we scored two quick goals and could have scored more.”

Liverpool will look to build on the win as the Premier League season unfolds, with Barcola set to compete for minutes alongside an in‑form Gakpo.