Liverpool’s Brazilian number 9, Roberto Firmino, turned in another scintillating performance on Saturday, providing three assists in The Reds’ 4-0 win over Southampton at Anfield.
Southampton had threatened to take at least a point from the game after being the better side in the first half. However, the score was still 0-0 at the break. Then, second-half strikes from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah (x2) gave Jurgen Klopp’s side an excellent 4-0 win.
Firmino created three of the goals with some typically selfless play, making space and seeing the opportunities for his teammates.
Speaking after the win, Klopp was singing the praises of his centre-forward:
“He is [unique]. He is just exceptional, a very football-smart person, obviously.
“In the first half, in between a really tight formation of Southampton, the way he drops and keeps the ball, how he makes things happen is very special, absolutely.
“Then even a player like Bobby needs an address where he can send the ball because he cannot take the ball and turn and run alone.
“How he uses the skills of his mates is special. I do not know a player like him, that is true.”
Firmino, now 28, has started 23 of Liverpool’s 25 Premier League games this season, scoring 8 goals and laying on 7 assists for his teammates. Since Klopp’s arrival, Firmino has been one of the most important cogs in the manager’s Red machine.
The first-team squad is on a week’s break now – missing the Shrewsbury Town FA Cup fourth-round replay on Tuesday night – and will return to action when they travel to play Norwich City in the evening kick-off on Saturday, February 15th.
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