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.