The Firmino 9

The Firmino 9

Roberto Firmino was the perfect the false 9, then Klopp's number 9 and now the Firmino 9. Has Bobby redefined the centre-forward position for Liverpool during Klopp's tenure? When Liverpool signed Firmino from Hoffenheim, he was known as a goal scoring attacking midfield. Under Rodgers, he played as a wide forward and didn't appear to be favoured by the manager, but the arrival of Klopp bought a clear and defined role for the Brazilian. Jurgen Klopp was a fan of …
Analysing the Perks of a False 9 Against Man City

Analysing the Perks of a False 9 Against Man City

A magnificent Liverpool team performance against Manchester City saw The Reds cement themselves as a genuine challenger for the top 4. Wonder goals from the ever irrepressible Phillipe Coutinho and the energetic Jordan Henderson rightly got the plaudits, but one player that impressed me immensely yesterday was Raheem Sterling. Leading the line for Liverpool, the talented Englishman played as a false 9 and had the Manchester City defence on strings throughout the game. £32 million summer signing Mangala and the …
A True Legend as a False-Nine? Can Gerrard Play The Role?

A True Legend as a False-Nine? Can Gerrard Play The Role?

Who needs a history lesson these days, especially as an article opener, right? Pfft. Let’s fast forward to the end of the summer of 2014 – past the shambles of Woy, the overly-domestic Kenny, and the brilliance of ‘SAS’ along with another 2nd place finish. To a time where only half of the feared ‘SAS’ duo remained, with the other heading over to sunny Spain – Barcelona, to be exact. To a time where football veterans reunite with their boyhood …