Van Dijk: Gakpo is very important to us; we never doubted Isak's ability

After Liverpool defeated Ipswich Town 2-0 away from home in the third round of the Premier League, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo were interviewed by Sky Sports.

On the match:

I think they played more directly at the start of the game, and obviously that is exactly what we wanted, to create threats in that way. Create some chaos, compete for the second balls, and combine that with the excellent individual quality we have. The goal was fantastic, the performance was completely outstanding. It was a very good win, and now we move forward.

How important was the contribution of the player next to you (Gakpo)? How happy are you to be playing alongside him this season?

Very important. Obviously, I said before the transfer window closed that he is very important to us. He will play an important role this season as well, and he proved that again today. He also provided an assist last week. He has been doing the same over the past few years, and we continue to work hard.

Virgil, Isak experienced disappointment and setbacks last season. Now that you have him, does it feel like the team has welcomed a completely new player?

I think we never doubted his ability. Obviously, he suffered an unfortunate serious injury last year, and his ability to recover quickly came from the effort he put in every day. I have said many times that he will be very important for the team, and he proved that today. I think he performed very well at the World Cup, also played well in pre-season, and now his condition is gradually reaching its best. We had already seen his ability when we faced him as opponents before, and now he will show the world his quality through goals like this brilliant strike.