The signing of Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven in January certainly confused some fans.

Not only was a midfielder more important to purchase, but a forward was arguably not needed.

A player that specialises on the left but can also perform up top is a type of player that Liverpool have in abundance.

The likes of Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, and Diogo Jota are all players that can thrive in the positions aforementioned.

However, Gakpo's recent form in the false nine position has turned the heads of some Reds who once previously doubted.

That form begs the question, how well can Cody Gakpo perform in the false nine position?

The next Roberto Firmino?

Is there a better teacher to learn how to play the false nine position in a Liverpool system than Roberto Firmino?

I would argue no.

The Brazilian has mastered the role and has made the position a famous one in football.

Originally an attacking midfielder, Firmino was transformed into the role he has now thanks to Jürgen Klopp and what a move it was from Liverpool's manager.

Now with ‘Bobby' moving on at the end of the season, Gakpo is seemingly the heir apparent to Firmino's role and judging his current form, it looks as if Liverpool made the right move.

Gakpo's 6'4 frame is certainly considerably larger than Firmino's 5'11 height but the former's touch and close control is brilliant for someone as tall as him.

His dribbling ability is undoubtedly underrated, and his finishing is arguably already one of the best at the club, look at the manner of his two goals against Manchester United.

His tall frame also makes him dangerous in aerial battles, both attacking and defensively, making him an integral part of the team on both ends.

Gakpo's drawbacks 

While it's still so early in the 23-year-old's career at the club, there are attributes that a Liverpool false nine must-have.

Due to the role of expecting the forward to drop deep and link up with his wingers, ball retention is of the utmost importance.

This is an area that Gakpo can improve on, as losing the ball deep can often lead to dangerous situations for the defence.

Firmino's work rate is among the highest many have seen from anybody in a Liverpool shirt.

Constantly running up and down the pitch, pressing opponents and not giving them a second to breathe was the Brazilian's speciality.

Gakpo may look lazy on the pitch and a bit too cool for Klopp's liking.

After a slow start, Gakpo has certainly fired up as of late and he'll be wholly important for Liverpool to have a strong end to the season.