Dutch forward prepares for his Liverpool debut in the FA Cup following a £37 million transfer.

Virgil van Dijk has emphasised the importance of patience as Cody Gakpo prepares to make his Liverpool debut in the FA Cup match against Wolves. The 23-year-old forward recently joined the Reds from PSV Eindhoven in a £37 million deal, adding much-needed depth to the squad.

Van Dijk, sidelined with a hamstring injury, praised Gakpo as both a talented footballer and a positive addition to the team. “Cody is a fantastic player and a great guy,” said Van Dijk. “He’s calm, and I believe he’ll fit in well with the group. He just needs a bit of time, and we’ll ensure he gets that, along with the support of our fans.”

Acknowledging the heightened expectations at Liverpool, Van Dijk noted that playing for the club comes with unique challenges. “The pressure here is different. You don’t truly understand it until you experience it,” he explained. “He’ll need to focus on what we’re doing as a team, follow the manager’s guidance, and block out external noise. Staying grounded is key, and I’m confident Cody will manage that.”

Van Dijk also revealed his role in encouraging Gakpo to join Liverpool. “I shared my honest opinion about the club when he asked. This place is special — I’ve been here five years, won every trophy, and it’s a joy to play under this manager and alongside these players. I know he’ll enjoy it too.”

With injuries sidelining forwards Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota, and Roberto Firmino, Gakpo’s arrival is a timely boost for Liverpool. Van Dijk expressed optimism about his teammate’s potential. “We need players who can make a difference, and Cody has the quality to become one of those. Over time, I believe he’ll prove to be a decisive player for us.”

Gakpo, who was named Dutch Player of the Year, now faces the challenge of adapting to life at Anfield. While expectations are high, Liverpool’s squad and fans are eager to support him on this new chapter in his career.

The dangers of American football persist despite awareness, with racial and class disparities playing a role in the sport’s controversial impact.

In the aftermath of Damar Hamlin’s terrifying collapse on the field during a game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, the football world has been forced to confront a painful reality. The 24-year-old player, after a hard tackle, stood up seemingly fine, but collapsed moments later, requiring medical staff to restart his heart before being rushed to hospital. As fans and players alike sent messages of support, the question remains: What will change following this shocking incident?

The truth is, American football – particularly its high-impact, aggressive style – is a violent sport. While fans are drawn to its thrilling, intense collisions, these very elements contribute to its dangers. Tackles, sacks, and brutal hits are intrinsic to the game’s appeal, but also its risks. Sports journalist Jeffri Chadiha described the sport as “built on violence,” a sentiment echoed by many, given the nature of the game.

The dangers of football have long been known. In the early 2000s, Dr. Bennet Omalu discovered chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in former Steelers player Mike Webster, a disease linked to brain trauma. Research has since revealed that the vast majority of former NFL players suffer from CTE, a devastating condition that causes mood swings, depression, and cognitive decline.

Despite these warnings, the NFL has been slow to address the dangers. Minor changes have been made, such as removing players from the field for concussion evaluation and banning certain hits. But these steps are largely seen as insufficient. The reality is that the sport continues to thrive on its violent nature, with little meaningful change.

Moreover, there are troubling racial and class elements at play. Football has often been seen as a pathway to success for disadvantaged young people, particularly those from lower-income or minority backgrounds. Yet, many middle-class families are now opting for safer sports like soccer, leaving American football increasingly tied to race and class.

A more disturbing aspect emerged in 2013, when the NFL reached a deal to compensate retired players suffering from brain damage. For years, the league used “race-norming” to argue that Black players had lower cognitive function, making it harder for them to qualify for compensation. It wasn’t until 2021 that the NFL finally ceased this practice.

Despite the growing evidence of harm, the NFL continues to thrive, with millions tuning in to games every week. The sport is estimated to be worth over $100 billion, and the Super Bowl has become a national spectacle. The question now is: Do we, as fans, continue to be complicit in this cycle of violence, or can we push for meaningful change to protect the athletes we watch and admire?

While some argue that changes could be made – such as eliminating kick-offs, which often result in pile-ups – the NFL seems reluctant to implement real safety measures. The case of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered multiple head injuries in a short period, highlights the need for independent medical oversight in decision-making.

The time has come for us to ask ourselves: Can we continue to enjoy this violent spectacle at the cost of the players’ safety, or will we demand reforms to ensure a safer, fairer sport?