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For the last few years, had you asked the average football supporter to name two Liverpool players, from Toronto to Timbuktu, Bootle to Baghdad, the response would have been almost universal.

Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard.

So synonymous have the pair become for the Reds, Suarez since his arrival in January 2011 and Gerrard for the best part of 15 years.

That, though, will soon change.

Suarez has played his last game for Liverpool. And the inevitable onset of age means Gerrard cannot be expected to play as regular role in the coming campaign, particularly given the added rigours of Champions League football.

It’s difficult for any club to lose their best player. Liverpool, though, are having to plan, both short-term and long-term, for the loss of their two leading stars.

Of course, nobody is irreplaceable. But some players are more difficult to replace than others.

Liverpool have found a way in the past. Kenny Dalglish succeeded Kevin Keegan, while Suarez himself filled the breach left by Fernando Torres (even if he was originally bought to play alongside the Spaniard).

The Reds, however, have never before possessed one of the top three players in the world. And by definition – unless they are planning a shock swoop for Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo – they simply aren’t going to be able to go like-for-like.

Perhaps the most pertinent comparison would be the sale of Ian Rush.

The Reds, knowing Rush was on his way in the summer of 1987, completely overhauled their forward line with John Aldridge later joined by Peter Beardsley and John Barnes.

Having built his attack around Suarez, Rodgers may chose a similar redesign. But unlike 27 years ago, factors other than just football – such as money and geography – must be considered when pursuing talent.

It’s why Arsenal are such a great lure to Reds target Alexis Sanchez, and were confident of snatching Suarez themselves last season.

Gerrard is likely to still be pulling on a Liverpool shirt for at least a couple more seasons but, again, the Reds know they would be wasting their time pursuing a similar type of player.

Even if Sanchez chooses Anfield, that won’t be enough.

As with Gerrard, it will take more than one player to replace Suarez. And it won’t just be the personnel that changes for Liverpool next season.