Why Firmino deserves to start for Brazil against Belgium in the quarterfinals

Roberto Firmino has so far been reduced to a bit-part role for the Seleção in Russia, despite arguably offering more than the preferred Gabriel Jesus.

Firmino has only made two cameo appearances for Brazil in Russia up to this point, most notably as a late substitute during their 2-0 win over Mexico. He provided the second goal himself, tapping home from close range after Neymar was first denied by Ochoa.

The Liverpool forward didn’t have long to make his mark on proceedings but he definitely injected new life into the teams attack, with his trademark tenacity and willingness to get on the ball helping to drive Brazil forward.

In comparison, the man keeping him out of the team – Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus – has had no impact whatsoever on this tournament. He has started all four of his country’s games so far, failing to score in any of them and providing just the one assist.

Perhaps now the manager Tite will change things up considering the ineffectiveness of Jesus, as they prepare to face their toughest challenge yet in the form of Belgium this forthcoming weekend.

ITV pundit and former Sweden international Henrik Larsson weighed in on the subject after the Mexico game, backing Firmino to start in the quarterfinals.

“This is a tap-in but he’s there at least,” Larsson stated, as reported by The Express.

"“But you have to think a little bit now, four games Jesus hasn’t scored in.”“He comes on and scores with his first touch more or less.”“You have to start thinking about it.”“I also think that with Firmino in the team, there is a little bit better hold-up play and also combination play with him when he’s playing compared with when Jesus is playing.” – Henrik Larsson"

Jesus has seemingly struggled to develop an understanding with star player Neymar and as a consequence, Brazil have often looked toothless in attack.

Firmino’s brief time on the pitch so far has seen him link up with the Paris Saint-German forward to much greater effect and brought much-needed urgency into the team.

Both men enjoyed successful seasons with their respective clubs last term – Jesus hit 13 domestic goals for City as they steamrollered their way to the title and Firmino scored 27 goals in all competitions for The Red’s as they finished 4th in the league before reaching the Champions League Final.

However, they are extremely different players and this does give Tite a real dilemma when he selects his starting XI. Jesus is quick, comes alive inside the box and likes to play on the shoulder of the last defender.

In stark contrast, Firmino is always looking for the ball, dropping into deeper positions to be part of the build-up play and playing as the aggressor when his team is out of possession.

In Brazil’s case, on that basis, the Liverpool man would be the better option to lead their attack because he will look to work in tandem with the likes of Neymar and Coutinho, rather than just waiting for decent service to pounce on.

He is essentially the full package – a willing runner, accomplished dribbler, competent passer and effective goalscorer – but whether or not the manager will want to change his way’s at this stage of the competition remains to be seen.

Liverpool legend John Aldridge recently highlighted the Brazilians impact at Anfield, speaking to the clubs official website.

"”You’ve got to get different things from different players and he just balances it. The way he comes off, the other lads can go into a central role, Mane or Salah,””I think he’s the best mover of the three of them; he drags people out of position with his movement, he’s very clever, he opens spaces up for the other two to take advantage of. Don’t forget he scored 25 goals or so last year, which in itself is tremendous, plus his assists are right up there as well.” – John Aldridge"

Practically all supporters and pundits would agree in unison that Brazil have yet to fully hit their stride in Russia and perhaps the 26-year-old is the key for them to step it up a notch.

Defensively they have been rock solid, conceding just one goal on their run to the final 8 but they have failed to look as menacing as some of the great Brazil sides of old in the final third.

Firmino has the attributes and work rate to add a new dimension to Tite’s attack, which could prove vital as they plot the downfall of Roberto Martinez talented Belgium team.

We haven’t seen the best of the greatest ever World Cup country up until now, but the prospect of everything clicking into place for the Seleção in these later rounds is tantalising.

No defence wants to see Neymar, Firmino and Coutinho running at them at full pace – Jesus would be a necessary sacrifice for the greater good, quite possibly suiting an impact role off the bench better than a starting spot.

The World Cup in Russia is reaching its final stages now and with so much at stake, no team can afford to hold back in pursuit of glory.

Next: Manchester United submit offer for Liverpool target

Roberto Firmino will hope that he finally gets the chance to stamp his authority on his nation’s campaign and be the man that helps unleash Brazil’s true attacking potential.