Liverpool FC power rankings: Top 5 players rated
By David Gate
2. Roberto Firmino
The month of April has gone like this for Firmino: assist; assist; goal; goal. After losing Mane and Lallana to injuries there were serious questions about Liverpool’s attacking options. Could they get the goals to remain the league’s top scorers?
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Roberto Firmino has shifted effortlessly from his number 9 role to the left side to accommodate Divock Origi in attack. It has actually freed him up to join in with the midfield play and find spaces to create without the responsibility of hassling the opposition center backs. It is no coincidence that Liverpool’s slump this year coincided with the Brazilian’s own dip in performance. His return to form has come at a crucial time for Liverpool.
Another player who perfectly executes Klopp’s pressing system. His hard work gives the opposition no time to recover. That combined with an ability to score with either foot or his head makes him an invaluable option for the Red’s manager. Liverpool fans were spoiled with Luis Suarez’s combination of attacking skill and defensive effort. Firmino fits into that same mold. The year-long absence of Daniel Sturridge hardly seems noticeable such is the Brazilian’s grip on the striker position.
Liverpool are hoping the last 5 games of the season will see Firmino finish out the season strong and overtake Mane as the team’s top scorer. With the coming fixtures all very winnable he will have plenty of opportunity to do just that.