As Saturday's legend's game between Liverpool and Manchester United showed, it's very easy to refer to someone as a legend.
Yet Roberto Firmino is worthy of that description on Merseyside. The Brazil international, 30, has played a pivotal role in Liverpool's success under Jurgen Klopp, helping them win seven trophies - including the Premier League title and the Champions League.
Firmino has attracted plenty of admirers since joining Liverpool in the summer of 2015 and it appears Barcelona are one of those. It's believed the two clubs are discussing a swap transfer involving the forward and former Manchester United star Memphis Depay.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, a swap deal in January would suit both clubs. Barcelona are said to be happy to let Depay, who only arrived from Lyon in the summer of 2021, leave the Camp Nou. Both players are out of contract in June 2023.
Yet that transfer would be a mistake by Liverpool. Although he's not the most prolific forward, Firmino is viewed by many pundits and fans as the skewer that holds Liverpool's attack together - complementing Mohamed Salah and previously Sadio Mane.
Firmino's influence has faded in recent years following the emergence of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, but he's still a very good player. His record this season suggests as much, scoring three goals and providing three assists in five Premier League games.
Do you think Liverpool should swap Roberto Firmino for Memphis Depay? Let us know in the comments below!
As Klopp said in November 2020, "Bobby is a complete footballer. A football team is like an orchestra, you have different people for different instruments. Some of them are louder than others but they are all important for the rhythm.
"Bobby plays something like 12 instruments in our orchestra. He’s very important. We can play well without him as well, but I certainly want him on the pitch and if you look at the numbers, I like having him on the pitch a lot."
Liverpool will be concerned about Firmino's contract coming to an end but swapping him isn't the answer. Their decision to replace fan favourite Mane with Darwin Nunez suggests as much, as Klopp's attack is no longer as cohesive as it once was.
While Nunez may yet become a scoring sensation, making too many changes to Liverpool's front line in short space of time is risky. After their poor start to the season - picking up just nine points from six Premier League games - the Reds need Firmino's reliability.
It's also questionable whether Depay would be a good signing. The Dutchman turns 29 in January and failed to deliver during his time at United - scoring just twice in the Premier League - and it's hard to ignore the fact he's a former Red Devil.
Firmino must remain part of Liverpool's squad until the end of the season. Right now, he's a player they need and it would be a huge gamble to trade him for Depay. The brilliant Brazilian's time at Anfield may come to an end soon - but not just yet.
