Paul Ince pinpoints the things Liverpool will miss with the departure of Roberto Firmino

Speaking with Premier League Odds (h/t Liverpool Echo), former Liverpool midfielder Paul Ince points out the things the Reds will miss once Roberto Firmino departs the club.

After eight fantastic years for the club, Firmino decided to not extend his stay here and leave on a free transfer in the coming summer.

The Brazilian has been an exceptional servant for the club all these years. The late equaliser against Arsenal on Sunday typified his time here as someone who will give everything for the team till the last second.

Paul Ince pinpoints the things Liverpool will miss with the departure of Roberto Firmino. — Paul Ince reveals the qualities Liverpool will miss once Roberto Firmino departs. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Talking about Firmino’s qualities and what Liverpool will miss after his departure, here’s what Ince said (h/t Liverpool Echo):

“The reason that Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah were unplayable a couple of years ago was because of Firmino.

“He used to pull centre halves out of position to allow Salah and Mane space to run into. As much as Liverpool have invested in very good players like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, they don’t do what Firmino does.

“If I was Liverpool, I’d be looking to keep hold of him. Going abroad was the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Ince is right that Firmino was the glue of that famous front three consisting of him, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. The trio ruled the roost in Europe between 2017 and 2021. Although most plaudits went towards the African superstars, the contribution and selflessness of Firmino cannot be forgotten.

The 31-year-old is one of the very few players who were there when Jurgen Klopp first arrived back in 2015 and is still here after the club has won every trophy possible under the German.

Even though the club has brought in quality forwards to build a new front line, some of the things Firmino does cannot be replicated.

The Brazilian was unique in a lot of aspects of his game. As a number nine, he was probably one of the most selfless players you will ever see on a football field.

Virgil van Dijk used to describe him as the first line of Liverpool’s defence. The 31-year-old’s pressing work and intensity were something to behold.