Virgil van Dijk does not believe that missing out on Champions League football will make Liverpool any less attractive to potential new signings. Despite the last-gasp 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa all-but ending the club’s pursuit of a top-four place, Van Dijk insists that players will still be interested in joining the Reds. He believes that pre-season will be a crucial time for the team to work on their tactics and physicality, and that the transition period they are going through will not deter players from signing. Van Dijk also commented on the departure of Roberto Firmino, who scored an 89th-minute equaliser on his final appearance in front of the Kop. He believes that it will be impossible to replace Firmino, but thinks that January signing Cody Gakpo has the potential to grow into the role.