Cody Gakpo became an instant hit with the Liverpool squad after joining midway through last season, thanks to his sense of humour and a nickname.
Curtis Jones admits that Cody Gakpo was adored by the entire Liverpool squad from the moment he arrived at Anfield.
After impressing with the Netherlands at the World Cup, the Dutchman was signed from PSV Eindhoven last January. Midseason transfers can be difficult, but Gakpo quickly settled in Merseyside, scoring seven Premier League goals, including a brace in the 7-0 thrashing of Manchester United.
He was a hit both on and off the field, with the Dutchman forming friendships on the practice field. Jones was among the first to interact with Gakpo, and a joke about his Scouse accent earned the new signing a nickname that has stuck.
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,”
Gakpo has continued to play regularly on Merseyside despite the competition for places, especially in the final third. He’s taken part in 10 of Liverpool’s Premier League outings this term, scoring four times across all 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 switch to Liverpool quickly materialised despite interest from United with Erik ten Hag keen on his compatriot. He said on his move: “I heard about Liverpool’s interest – and I think five days later the deal was done,” said the elegant 6ft 4ins forward ahead of his first taste of the Merseyside derby. My manager and brother knew about it for a long time, but I said to them at the World Cup not to tell me anything because I have to focus. As soon as I heard about the interest, the feeling was ‘Come on, let’s go.’
Ruud van Nistelrooy, formerly a prolific marksman at United, was keen for him to follow in his footsteps, but Gakpo felt he’d still achieved a major switch. “It was Ruud’s wish that I went to a big club – and I think I have achieved that with Liverpool,” he said
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