Liverpool supporters are having a bit of fun after the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, with one recurring joke: that Cody Gakpo might be Arne Slot’s “son.”
It’s not literally true, of course, but the joke makes sense when you consider how Gakpo continues to start regularly despite inconsistent form this season. Fans have often questioned why he keeps getting picked, and Slot’s post-match praise after the Wolves game only added to the narrative.
Slot highlighted how Gakpo was instrumental in the build-up to Liverpool’s first two goals, dropping deep, switching the ball to Rio Ngumoha, and linking perfectly with Andrew Robertson on the overlap. He said Cody “played a very good role in the first two goals we scored,” underlining just how central he was to the attack.
To fans, it sometimes feels like no matter his form, Gakpo will start, which has made the “Slot’s son” joke stick. The way he drops, links, and positions himself exactly as Slot wants seems almost pre-determined—as if he’s got a direct line to the manager.
It’s all in good humour, but it also highlights a real frustration among supporters. While players like Rio Ngumoha are putting in game-changing performances, Gakpo’s guaranteed starts can sometimes overshadow others. Yet, when he does play well, as he did contributing to the first two goals against Wolves, Slot is quick to highlight it.
For now, the joke is a mix of admiration and gentle ribbing: Gakpo may not always impress, but he seems untouchable under Slot, and supporters can’t help but notice.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
The Kopite View 
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