The number 8 shirt hasn't historically been a legendary shirt at Liverpool.

Numbers such as 9 and 10 have much more storied success behind them but as they say, it's the player that makes the number.

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard donned the number 8 shirt for most of his career at the club from 2004 to 2015, when he departed the club for LA Galaxy.

The number remained vacant until 2018 when new signing Naby Keïta became the first player since the Liverpool-born icon to wear the number.

Safe to say, the £ 52 million signing has been a disappointment at Anfield and upon his expected departure from the club this summer, the number 8 shirt will once again be up for grabs.

The question becomes, who is the next player that should wear the number 8 for Liverpool?

Stefan Bajčetić

I've seen stranger things happen in the world of football than a player being awarded a notable kit number after making a short but albeit impressive start to their club career.

Before suffering an injury that led to the end of his season, Stefan Bajčetić had a stellar debut season at Liverpool amid the struggles the Merseyside club have endured this season.

After making 11 appearances in the Premier League and 19 appearances in all competitions, the 19-year-old suffered an adductor injury that spelt the premature end to his career.

The Spaniard's quality is noticeable for Liverpool fans to see as he was usually the best midfielder on the pitch when he did play.

Currently sporting the number 43, giving the young star the number 8 would be a massive vote of confidence and essentially tell the youngster that he will be a massive part of the team for years to come.

I think that it may be a little bit too much, too soon, for Bajčetić, however, it's certainly something that can occur soon.

Potential new midfield signing

While it remains unaware of who Liverpool are expected to bring in during the summer, a new midfield signing will certainly be the prime suspect for the number 8 shirt.

After reports that Liverpool are out of the running for Jude Bellingham due to financial reasons, the likes of Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher and João Palhinha were spoken about as potential signings.

Liverpool need new signings to not only bolster the quality of the squad but to raise the morale of the group following a troubling year that has left the Merseyside club wallowing in mid-table as they face a year without silverware after winning both domestic trophies last season.

While it is the least of the problems Liverpool faces this season, who would you want to see wear the number 8?