Virgil van Dijk has explained that Bobby Firmino ‘should be in’ the Brazil team for the World Cup in Qatar.
The 31-year-old was left out of Tite’s 26-man squad due to travel to the Middle East next week despite his impressive start to the campaign.
The No. 9 raised his tally for the season to nine (in all competitions) after scoring the opening goal in Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat of Southampton at Anfield on Saturday, but Manchester United’s Antony and Gabriel Jesus and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli have still been preferred to the former Hoffenheim man, much to our No. 4’s bewilderment.
“I think Bobby should be, but who am I to say that?” van Dijk told the Independent.
“He took it with his chin, all you can do is bounce back and be ready for the rest of the season and I think he will.”
Firmino released an emotional message after learning that he had been left out of the Brazil squad and will now travel to Dubai during the tournament with the rest of Jurgen Klopp’s squad who do not represent their respective nations in the Middle East.
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The Netherlands captain also spoke about the form of another of his Brazilian teammates after the defeat of his former team.
Alisson Becker was in superb form for the FA Cup winners against Saints and made a series of world-class saves throughout the match to ensure the Merseysiders collected all three points.
“You must not take anyone for granted. We certainly never do that,” the former Celtic defender added.
“It is important for the group on and off the pitch. We don’t want him to have to make saves, first of all. He had to do it (against Southampton) and he was outstanding.
“Brazil is a very good team, they have two of their best goalkeepers in their squad and in my opinion the best goalkeeper in the world is Alisson.”
Alisson and Fabinho will represent Brazil in Qatar and let’s hope they, along with the rest of our guys competing in the Gulf Nation, return to Merseyside injury-free.
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