Dutch football legend Clarence Seedorf has claimed that Roberto Firmino is still crucial to Liverpool.
Speaking to Prime Sport via Tuttomercatoweb, Seedorf said that if he were Jurgen Klopp, Firmino would play every game. The former Milan midfielder also compared the Brazilian to a certain Karim Benzema.
“I would always put Firmino in. In recent years Liverpool did well because he is a bit like Benzema at Real Madrid,” said the 46-year-old.
“He knows how to play a little lower and goes on the wings, he is a 9 who can read what the team needs and Klopp will focus a lot on him this season, despite the arrival of Nunez.”
Firmino still showing his quality
After a stop-start season in 2012/22, Firmino has had a more encouraging beginning to the new campaign.
Despite a quite alarming general malaise at Liverpool, Bobby can be quietly pleased with his work so far. Including last night’s dismal showing at Napoli, the Brazilian has now started six of The Reds eight games this season.
It’s true that he hasn’t always been at his best in that time. But neither have the rest of the £29m man‘s teammates. Firmino has at least shown glimpses that he can still be hugely important.
Last weekend at Everton, Liverpool looked a whole lot more threatening when the 30-year-old came off the bench. In the wins against Newcastle United and Bournemouth, he was also a key reason why The Reds took the points.
Firmino’s case has no doubt been helped by the fact that Darwin Nunez has been unavailable, too. As the Uruguayan gets up to speed, Firmino may start to be used a little less.
But as Klopp looks to navigate his team through a rocky period, he’ll need his experienced players to stand up and be counted.
As his most used player since taking over in 2015, this will include leaning on Firmino. The Brazilian may now be a soft target when the team aren’t playing well, but he can also give Liverpool something that few other players can.
Benzema he is not, and never will be. But in his own way, Bobby will still be key to turning things around for Liverpool.
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