OPINION
Since last weekend’s virtuoso performance in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle United, the plaudits have been rolling in for Reds forward Roberto Firmino.
Rightfully so, too, because the 27-year-old was phenomenal off the substitute’s bench against Steve Bruce’s side. Now, Liverpool legend Terry McDermott is putting the Brazilian in the top tier of Anfield stars.
“The front three are fantastic to watch. I know Sadio Mane and Mo Salah grab most headlines, but for me I’d place Roberto Firmino in the category of ‘the great players’,” he told the Daily Mirror.
How can anyone still argue with that sort of statement in regards to Firmino? He is absolutely sensational, a creator extraordinaire who knits play like nobody else in a red shirt.
When you look at what he’s done both this season and over the course of his Liverpool career, there’s no disputing McDermott’s claim that he is one of the greats.
His pure goalscoring isn’t nearly the best we’ve seen in recent years. His tally of 68 strikes in 200 games in all competitions for the Reds is merely decent. However, when you add in his assists, he has been involved in 119 goals in two centuries of games for the club [Source: Transfermarkt]. Now that’s not bad, is it?
As for this campaign, he’s done alright as well. As per WhoScored.com, the former Hoffenheim man is averaging 3.8 shots, 1.4 key passes, 2.6 dribbles and an average WhoScored rating per game of 8.02 in the Premier League.
With numbers like those, and with Firmino passing the eye test with flying colours, there’s no arguing that he is one of Liverpool’s greatest ever number nines.
