Cody Gakpo seamlessly endeared himself to the Liverpool squad upon his midseason arrival last year, courtesy of his sense of humor and the establishment of a nickname that swiftly integrated him into the group.

Curtis Jones reveals that the entire Liverpool team embraced Cody Gakpo the moment he set foot at Anfield. The Dutch winger, recruited from PSV Eindhoven in January after an impressive showing with the Netherlands at the World Cup, navigated the challenges of a midseason transfer with apparent ease. Gakpo not only swiftly acclimated to life in Merseyside but also left a mark on the pitch, netting seven goals in the Premier League, including a memorable brace in the 7-0 rout against Manchester United.

Gakpo’s impact extended beyond the field, as he cultivated relationships at the training ground. Jones, among those who connected with Gakpo early on, playfully teased the new signing about his Scouse accent, leading to the adoption of a nickname that has since become a fixture within the squad.

Jones said on the We are Liverpool podcast: “I call him Gakkers, that’s the name that needs to stick with him. Cody just came in and everyone loved him when he came in, he’s the most polite lad, but he’s hilarious. There was a time he was going on about my accent, saying Curtis’s accent is strong and I said ‘Shut up you Gakkers!’ And it just stuck,”

Despite the stiff competition for positions, particularly in the final third, Gakpo has consistently featured in Liverpool’s lineup on Merseyside. This season, he has been a mainstay in 10 of Liverpool’s Premier League matches, showcasing his scoring prowess with four goals across various competitions.

Jurgen Klopp has hailed his versatility, which has increased his minutes: “Since Cody has been here, he has played many positions. He had to play in midfield but that was never the plan, we just had to do it. He is a versatile striker and arrives into the box well. He’s a top player and a good character.”

Gakpo’s move to Liverpool swiftly materialized despite interest from Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag expressing a keen interest in his compatriot. Reflecting on his transfer, the elegant 6ft 4ins forward remarked, “I heard about Liverpool’s interest, and I think five days later the deal was done.” He shared that although his manager and brother were aware of the interest for a while, he requested them not to disclose any information during the World Cup, allowing him to maintain focus. Upon learning of Liverpool’s interest, he felt an immediate sense of eagerness and enthusiasm, exclaiming, “Come on, let’s go.”

Despite the suggestion from Ruud van Nistelrooy, a former prolific marksman at Manchester United, to follow in his footsteps, Gakpo expressed contentment with his decision, stating, “It was Ruud’s wish that I went to a big club – and I think I have achieved that with Liverpool.”