It was the end of an era at Liverpool as one club great brought a glorious eight-year stay at Anfield to a close with a late equalizer against Aston Villa. The performance of his heir apparent against Unai Emery’s side indicates that his legacy will be felt for years to come.

By his own admission, it took Jürgen Klopp arriving on Merseyside for Roberto Firmino to truly find his groove in a red shirt, with the German manager’s decision to convert the Brazilian into a ‘false nine’ ultimately proving inspired. There is no doubt that this tweak to the departing attacker’s role in the side was one of the most seminal of his reign, with ‘Bobby’ — as he is affectionately known on the Kop — excelling as an often unselfish press-setting focal point for the Reds.

Firmino’s importance to Klopp’s all-conquering side has been indisputable, with the forward now synonymous with a golden epoch at the club. This said, as hard as it will be for Liverpool supporters to see the popular star depart, the excellent form of Cody Gakpo since signing in January will go some way to softening the blow.

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Similar to the situation that surrounded Firmino upon his arrival at Anfield back in the summer of 2015, it would be fair to say that it was unclear what Gakpo’s role would be in the side when he landed on these shores at the turn of the year. Primarily a left-winger for PSV Eindhoven, a position where Liverpool was well-stocked (injury crisis notwithstanding), some observers questioned the long-term wisdom behind the $66m (£54m/€61m) transfer.

However, as had been the case with Firmino before him, it soon became clear that Klopp had other ideas for Gakpo, with the Dutchman having been utilized primarily as a center-forward during his first five months at the club. Initially, the forward took some time to settle, not least due to the Reds’ woes during the early part of 2023, but his importance during Liverpool’s recent purple patch has been self-evident.

Like his predecessor, the 15-time international has become an essential cog in the Reds’ machine, with his tireless pressing and his ability to bring other attackers into the game with his back to goal fast making him an indispensable member of the squad. Klopp has been open about the importance of players of this ilk to his famous gegenpressing system — he memorably asserted that ‘no playmaker in the world can be as good as a good counter-pressing situation’ back in 2016 — and it is clear that Gakpo has quickly adapted his game to adhere to his manager’s principles.

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In many ways, Liverpool’s 1-1 draw provided further evidence that the future is in good hands as the club prepares for life without Firmino as his appointed successor, with Gakpo recovering the ball on eight occasions against the Villans — more than any other attacker on the pitch. Furthermore, his abilty to draw fouls — he suffered five in all, which is also more than any player on the pitch — won the Reds precious set pieces in what was an otherwise cagey game.

On top of this, he attempted five take-ons — more than any other Liverpool player — and was denied what would have been an equalizing goal when a close-range volleyed effort at the Kop end was ruled out for a controversial offside. On another day, this strike probably would have stood and would have proven the difference between the two sides in a fraught encounter.

The forward has nine goal contributions to his name so far for the Reds, with his six goals and three assists demonstrating that he is combining his workmanlike approach with an eye for goal. If he continues in this vein, one senses that the Kop may be witnessing the emergence of a new hero.

The Netherlands star has clearly bought into Klopp’s methodology since signing for Liverpool five months ago and evidence suggests that he has all the attributes to ensure that the blow of Firmino’s departure is cushioned. He has big shoes to fill but one cannot fault the start he has made to life on Merseyside.

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