Ian Wright and his son, Shaun Wright-Phillips, are both in agreement that Roberto Firmino is an elite player for Liverpool.
The father and son duo were appearing on The Kelly and Wrighty show via mullafabz on YouTube (16mins 35secs). Analysing Liverpool’s second goal against Arsenal on Wednesday, Wright-Phillips praised Firmino’s all-round game.
“I’ve always loved Firmino as a player in general,” he said. “I always thought he’s such a pivotal part to the way Mane and Salah have been over the last five years.”
“He started it and all he does is what you’re taught as a kid, you’re taught to keep on the move when you’re in the box so no one can pick up your position. Then he takes two steps back and the defender has to come with him.”
It sounds so simple, but Arsenal couldn’t stop it. Barely five minutes after making his return from missing a month of football, Firmino had his ninth goal of the season and the game was in the bag.
There’s something that the Wright’s want you to know
As a passage of play, Liverpool’s goal to put the game to bed was a microcosm of why fan’s absolutely love Bobby.
His movement in the box was absolutely exceptional. The 30-year-old picks up positions that other players just wouldn’t see. To top it off, the finish was classic Bobby. A delicate but exquisite touch that Aaron Ramsdale was never going to save.
Adding to Shaun’s analyses, Ian gave a glowing assessment of Firmino’s ability to get in goalscoring positions.
“That was just elite, it’s the way he’s done so much in just a fraction of space there, that’s what the difference is,” said Wright.
“That is elite finishing, elite movement in the box and that is the difference between that level of player and Arsenal’s.”
Sending a reminder
With all the furore around Mohamed Salah’s contract, it can be overlooked that Firmino’s contract is also coming to an end in 2023.
There hasn’t been too much in the way of news about an extension as of yet. After a season of injury frustration so far, there looked to be a danger that the Brazilian’s Liverpool career may quietly fade away.
But on Wednesday night, Firmino gave a reminder that amidst all of their attacking riches, Liverpool still don’t have a player comparable to him.
As Wright-Phillips points out, Bobby has been critical in allowing Mane and Salah the space and freedom to plunder goals at will.
Not a prolific goalscorer himself, Firmino now has 96 across his six and three-quarter seasons at Anfield. For someone who offers far more than just goals, that’s still a decent haul.
There are some who still fail to see the value of Liverpool’s number 9. But given the regard in which he is held by Jurgen Klopp, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him extend his stay on Merseyside yet.
You only have to look at his goal celebration on Wednesday to see what the club means to him. Get that contract signed, Bobby!
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