Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has officially been left out of Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.
As per Sky Sports, the Reds No.9 was omitted from coach Tite’s final, 26-man squad. Instead, the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison and Gabriel Martinelli made the cut.
Although, in the end, this wasn’t a great surprise, it is no less devastating for Firmino. The Liverpool man has had a generally excellent start to the season, and would have hoped to have done enough.
Certainly, he has far outperformed the likes of Richarlison this season. In a post from Sky Sports on Twitter, the fact of that matter was laid bare.
The post detailed how Firmino compared against the Spurs man, as well as Martinelli, Jesus and Manchester United’s Antony this season. As you can see, the 31-year-old has every right to be upset with Tite’s decision.
Bobby dealt a double blow
Of course, stats don’t tell the whole of any story in football. If manager’s picked international squads based on who has the most goals and assists, every team would look very different.
But in Firmino’s case, it feels especially harsh. Everyone knows what he gives the team, stats aside. That he actually has a good goal scoring record this season is a nice little bonus.
On top of that, before his injuries last season, he was a regular in the Brazil squad. Tite knows him and likes him, and would often play him.
In that respect, Firmino’s injury-hit campaign of 2021/22 was more costly than it first appeared.
Now, with half a season left on his contract and no World Cup motivation, who knows where his form will go.
There appears to be little chance of Firmino being offered a new deal at Anfield. Should he pick up again as he did at the season’s beginning, there could still be a chance of that.
But as of right now, Bobby’s morale will be on the floor. He’ll have to pick himself up again and go again if he wants to extend his Liverpool career into its ninth year.
The presence of fellow Brazilians Alisson Becker and Fabinho should help. Both were called up for Qatar and will be hoping to win the trophy for their hurting colleague. Fabinho recently rooted for his Liverpool teammate, calling him ‘excellent’ in the process. Unfortunately, Tite didn’t heed his words. Head up, Bobby!
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