Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes that Liverpool FC are a far better team when Roberto Firmino starts. The Brazilian forward is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s top attacking talents and he has been earning plenty of plaudits for his eye-catching displays this season.
Even when the goals and assists aren’t abundant, Firmino is an integral part of the style of play under Jurgen Klopp, with and without the ball. At Liverpool, Firmino has become the complete forward. He can be seen holding up the ball against the toughest of defenders one minute, before taking the ball around them with a typically Samba flick the next.
The Brazil international has scored 7 goals and 4 assists for the Reds in the Premier League so far this season and he has started most of Liverpool’s games, ahead of the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings.
Despite being in fine form, Klopp did raise some eyebrows with his decision to drop Firmino and Philippe Coutinho to the bench for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Everton earlier this month. The German coach’s change in tactics backfired as his side were held by a stubborn Everton in the 1-1 draw.
However, Firmino has since been restored to the starting line-up and he netted the Reds’ vital equaliser in the exciting 3-3 draw with Arsenal at The Emirates on Friday night. Neville explained why Firmino makes Liverpool a much better team to watch.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Friday night, as reported by Sports Review, Neville said:
“When Klopp came in, we knew he wanted to press from the front. Liverpool are a far better team with Firmino in [the starting line-up]. He chases from the front. He presses from the front. He counter-attacks.
“That’s why Sturridge isn’t in the mould of what Klopp is looking for. Firmino is Liverpool’s best option.”
Liverpool have conceded 20 goals from 10 away games this season and Neville also had a piece of advice for Klopp.
“Get rid of the players. You look at what Pep Guardiola did last season. He brought Claudio Bravo in for big money. He wasn’t good enough and couldn’t adapt to the Premier League. He got rid of him,” he said.
What’s your opinion? Is Neville right in what he’s saying?
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