Former Liverpool superstar Michael Owen has raved over Reds forward Roberto Firmino after his masterclass of a performance against Newcastle United on Saturday.
The Brazilian didn’t get on the scoresheet in the 3-1 win at Anfield, but he made a key contribution after coming off the bench in the first half.
He claimed two assists, the second with an outrageous flick to find teammate Mohamed Salah, and generally performed better than anyone on the pitch.
Owen couldn’t get enough of his display: “Firmino’s touch is off the charts,” he wrote on his personal Twitter account.
Firmino’s touch is off the charts.
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) September 14, 2019
OPINION
Owen wasn’t the only one left breathless by Firmino’s wonderful performance on Saturday. It was a surprise when Reds boss Jurgen Klopp elected to start Divock Origi ahead of the Brazilian, but an injury to the Belgium international saw Liverpool’s nominal front three restored. Firmino ensured he showed Klopp the error of his ways, displaying why he is one of the single most crucial players in the Premier League. Liverpool simply wouldn’t be the same team without the 27-year-old, there’s no disputing that. He gives so much apart from pure goals, which is why he was the clear Man of the Match at Anfield despite not getting on the scoresheet. Sadio Mane scored twice and he still wasn’t the best player on the pitch. The flick from Firmino for Salah’s goal was absolutely sensational. He controlled it seamlessly, rolled it to the side and then touched it right into the path of the onrushing Egyptian. Nobody else in a red shirt could have produced that moment, it was superb.
