Liverpool signed the NEXT Steven Gerrard and Roberto Firmino for just £60m

If there are two players who have left massive voids in their absence at Anfield, it's probably Steven Gerrard and Roberto Firmino.

During the 21st century, they were two iconic figures with such unique playing styles it has made it impossible for Liverpool to replace them.

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Firmino was the epitome of a false number nine, someone who worked tirelessly for the team and who put in the graft so others could thrive in the Reds' magnetic offensive line-up.

Gerrard on the other hand was the player who led by example on the pitch and who had the uncanny ability to come up clutch whenever Liverpool needed him, while also providing much needed ammunition in front of goals from midfield.

In the wake of their departures, Liverpool fans from around the world have yearned for the club to find their replacements and they don't have to yearn any longer.

Because a player has come along, who can replace both.

How Dominik Szoboszlai has replaced Roberto Firmino

For some bizarre reason, Liverpool's £60m acquisition has come under fire at times this season. Szoboszlai arrived with lofty expectations and he raised the roof during his first few months at Anfield.

Admittedly, things have petered out a little bit since.

But not this season. This season, the Hungarian has become a linchpin in Arne Slot's side and one of the most important tactical assets of the team.

Just like Firmino once did, Szoboszlai, playing in a no.10 role rather than a false nine role, puts the needs of the team first. He presses from the front and makes crucial recoveries that allows the players ahead and around him to flourish.

His pressing game was there for all to see against Tottenham on Sunday afternoon with Szoboszlai running Ange Postecoglou's team rugged.

Why Dominik Szoboszlai will replace Steven Gerrard

Admittedly, the expectation on him to replace Gerrard has been harder to fulfil for Szoboszlai.

With a quote of Gerrard on his arms, already a national team captain at a young age and a plethora of clutch goals for RB Leipzig and Hungary, it was expected that Szoboszlai would become the heir to the no.8's throne at Anfield.

Szoboszlai hasn't done that yet. But it's important to recognise he has only just turned 24 years old this season and has played just 68 matches for Liverpool.

In those 68 matches, Szoboszlai has 10 goals and eight assists, Gerrard managed 11 goals and eights assists in his first 94 matches for Liverpool.

At the same age, Gerrard posted 11 total goal contributions in the Premier League in 30 matches - Szoboszlai is on five at the moment and could easily match the former captain's output.

It's also important to mention that the first time Gerrard hit double figures for goals in the league, he was 25 turning 26 years old at the end of the 2005/06 campaign. Before that he was averaging around four or give goals per season.

Against Tottenham, Szoboszlai proved he can make the difference in front of goal as well. His goal and assist in such an important game for Liverpool was just a glimpse of what's to come.

The Hungarian needed time to settle and he's still young, his best is on the horizon and with time, as he proved on Sunday night, he will live up to those Gerrard comparisons as well.

Meaning Liverpool will have signed a player who could have replaced two of the club's most irreplaceable players in the history of the 21st century.

All of that for just £60m. What an absolute bargain. Richard Hughes will be delighted that at least that's one problem he doesn't have to solve. As will Arne Slot for having such a brilliant tool at his disposal.

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