Players nowadays are often dubbed the ‘new player X’ or ‘Player Y’s replacement’, and the latest name to get that moniker is Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian attacker has been a real sensation at Hoffenheim in recent seasons, with his goal and assists stats frankly staggering, drawing comparisins with former Ballon d’Or holder Kaka.
Liverpool have been linked with him on several occasions, but recent reports have revealed that United are ready to win the battle with a £25m offer. Should the Merseysiders go all out to beat their bitter rivals? Here are FIVE reasons they must:
[ffc-gallery]
CLICK ON THE MAN HIMSELF TO REVEAL THE FIVE
[/ffc-gallery]
[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]
Goals, goals, GOALS
//www.youtube.com/embed/er-GdWLW5F4
Despite being a more withdrawn forward, and often deployed on the flank, Firmino’s goal record last term was simply stunning. The 23-year-old notched a whopping 16 efforts for a side that finished in midtable. Some tally!
With such talent at his disposal, linking up with the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard has the potential to kick Firmino on to the next level.
Assist machine
//www.youtube.com/embed/DP0AlBBpC9M
As well as goals, Firmino brings assists. Alongside his 16 strikes, the South American laid on a further 11 efforts for team-mates in the Bundesliga.
With such creativity, the Reds’ wealth of attacking stars are likely to benefit should Firmino relocate to Anfield, and Stirridge’s clinical nature in front of goal could see such numbers replicated in England. Awesome passing stats also suggest that he would slot seamlessly into Brendan Rodgers’ system.
Take some pressure off Coutinho & Sterling
Liverpool have been a far cry from the swashbuckling attacking force they were last season so far this term, with the weight of pressure having increased thanks to the exit of Luis Suarez and pre-season title challenge tips.
Sterling and Coutinho were both key for the club during the back end of last season in terms of making things happen in the final third, but, for the most part, they haven’t been quite up to scratch in recent weeks. It’s clear to see that the burden of responsibility is playing a part in the dip, so another creative talent to lighten the load would help, right?
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Best years ahead of him
//www.youtube.com/embed/sE-pdHpU8sk
At 23, Firmino is now at the ideal age to push on and really cement himself as a top class playmaker. The Brazilian has the talent to be top Premier League playmaker, and should Liverpool take the gamble, they could be rewarded. He may be a more “calculated risk” than Mario Balotelli…
German football producing fantastic talent
Although Brazilian, Firmino has been in Germany since the age of 21, where he has built on the skills learned in his homeland. It’s fair to say that the Bundesliga has produced some of the very best ‘No. 10s’ around in recent years, with the likes of Mario Gotze widely hailed as the epitome of the modern playmaker. A blend of Brazilian flair and German efficiency… seems good!