Emile Heskey has hailed Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino, claiming that he is a “perfect” link-up man.
The Brazilian has been in fine form so far this season, registering five assists and three goals for the Reds in all competitions.
And Heskey has been quick to sing the 28-year-old’s praises.
Speaking to the Echo, he said: “The one player who stands out that is now starting to get the plaudits is Roberto Firmino. For years I’ve been talking about his movement and the way he plays.
“It’s only now that people are saying he is the one that makes everything tick and he really does.
“He is a perfect link-up man but he scores goals as well. He is the link between the midfield and the forwards. Everything goes through him and sometimes people forget that.”
OPINION
What can you say about Roberto Firmino that hasn’t been said already? The South American has been superb for the Reds so far this term, and his Whoscored rating of 7.66 for the season makes him the highest rated Liverpool player so far this term, and the fifth highest in the Premier League overall. Heskey talks about Firmino as a link-up man here, and in that respect, you will struggle to find anybody in the league who is more adept at that role. His average of 1.7 key passes per game, plus his average of 2.5 successful dribbles per game in the Premier League, as per Whoscored, show that he is so much more than your typical goal-poaching centre forward, and with the talent of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane either side of him, his flexibility and intelligent use of space make him the ideal foil to get the best out of the flying duo.
