Liverpool’s revamped attack is quickly becoming one of the most exciting talking points around the club, and now supporters have taken things a step further by trying to create the perfect nickname for the Reds’ new-look forward line.
With the arrival of Bradley Barcola adding another explosive attacking option alongside Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz, fans on social media have started throwing different combinations into the mix. Two particular names have begun gaining attention, although there is still plenty of debate over which one actually deserves to stick.
The first suggestion is BIG, built around Barcola, Isak and Gakpo. The name is a clever nod to the legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G., while also fitting the sheer size of the attacking threat Liverpool are putting together.
And judging by the early signs, the nickname could have some serious potential.
Isak has already provided the perfect opening statement to the new campaign. The Swedish striker scored twice inside the opening nine minutes against Ipswich, with Gakpo supplying the assists for both goals as Liverpool finally found their attacking rhythm.
Then there is Barcola, the blockbuster summer arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool completed his signing at the end of August, bringing in a forward renowned for his pace, dribbling ability and ability to attack defenders directly.
Barcola made his Liverpool debut against Ipswich and immediately offered a glimpse of the chaos he could bring to opposition defences. Even with limited minutes following his lack of pre-season football, Andoni Iraola described him as a constant threat whenever he carried the ball forward.
But there is another nickname competing for attention.
FBI.
That combination brings together Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak, creating a front three whose initials form one of the most recognisable abbreviations in the world.
And honestly, it has a certain ring to it.
Wirtz provides the creativity and imagination between the lines, Barcola brings frightening acceleration and one-on-one ability, while Isak offers the clinical finishing Liverpool need at the top end of the pitch. The possibility of those three developing a genuine understanding is already getting supporters excited.
Liverpool’s attacking options have undergone a major transformation, with the club investing heavily in attacking talent during the summer rebuild. Barcola’s arrival has added even more speed and dribbling ability to an attack that already contains Isak, Wirtz, Gakpo and several other exciting options.
The early chemistry between Isak and Gakpo has certainly given the BIG nickname some ammunition. Their combination against Ipswich produced both goals, while Wirtz was also involved in Liverpool’s attacking play and even supplied the pass for a disallowed Isak goal.
The exciting part is that Liverpool have barely scratched the surface.
Barcola had only a short cameo against Ipswich, meaning fans are yet to see the Frenchman fully integrated into Iraola’s preferred attacking setup. The Liverpool boss has already suggested that Barcola’s understanding with his teammates will improve with more training and match time.
That leaves Liverpool supporters with a rather entertaining problem: which nickname actually sounds better?
BIG has the swagger, the cultural reference and a straightforward connection between Barcola, Isak and Gakpo.
FBI, meanwhile, sounds ruthless, memorable and perfectly suited to an attacking unit whose job is essentially to investigate and destroy defensive weaknesses.
Either way, Reds fans may have to get creative because Liverpool’s new attacking era is already giving them plenty to talk about.
The names might still need work, but the footballing potential behind them is certainly serious.
So, Liverpool fans, are you taking BIG or FBI? Or is there an even better nickname waiting to be discovered?