Playing for 90
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Early season Liverpool player power rankings

By Chad Dingman

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool celebrates his team's victory following the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park on October 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool celebrates his team's victory following the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park on October 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team’s fourth goal of the game during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park on October 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team’s fourth goal of the game during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park on October 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /

3. Roberto Firmino

Again, there is nothing negative to say about Firmino. He has come into his own in the past year and is now one of the best players in the Premier League. Firmino plays as the central forward in the front three, but does a lot more than a typical striker.

The press implemented by Klopp has been a big reason for Firmino’s fluid positioning obviously, but it has affected the rest of the team as well. He may not be the best of the attacking trio currently being used most by Klopp, but nobody would argue with you if you thought so. However, he is the most important.

His movement opens up the game for everybody else and gives the team a shapeless look which is a good thing in this case. It has led to the team being an all out attacking side with players capable of playing anywhere and still being able to produce magic. This is shown by the creative side of Firmino, who has contributed an astounding 2.9 chances per 90, close to a whole chance more than the next best striker in the Premier League that has played significant minutes.

Firmino has been able to rack up five goals and three assists in his 10 appearances this season. As I mentioned earlier, his play off the ball is what makes him the special talent that he is, but the raw production is also there and has obviously made a huge difference to this Liverpool team throughout the first three months of the season.

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