Clarence Seedorf has compared Bobby Firmino to Real Madrid star Karim Benzema and believes the Brazilian international should be one of the first names in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
Our No. 9’s starting job for Liverpool looked to be under threat this season following the summer arrival of Darwin Nunez from Benfica, but after the Uruguayan received a red card on his home debut, Firmino seized his chance. .
The former Hoffenheim striker already has six goal contributions this season, including an assist hat-trick and two goals during Bournemouth’s 9-0 demolition of Liverpool in late August.
This has prompted four-time Champions League winner Seedorf to admit his admiration for the 30-year-old.
“I would always put Firmino in [the starting XI]Seedorf told Prime Video via talkSPORT.
“In recent years, Liverpool have done well because they are a bit like Benzema at Real Madrid, they know how to play a little deeper and go down the flanks. He is a nine who knows what the team needs and Klopp will bet a lot on him again this season, despite the arrival of Núñez”.
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Firmino was one of many Liverpool stars to put in a lackluster performance against Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday night and it would have been interesting to see if Klopp opted to keep the Brazilian for Wolves’ visit on Saturday.
That game has now been postponed following The Queen’s death and next weekend’s matches are also in doubt.
However, we face Ajax at Anfield on Tuesday in our second game of the UCL group stage, and I’d expect to see the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip return to the starting XI now that they’re fit.
Firmino has been one of the most important players of the Klopp era, but there is a feeling that he no longer contributes as much as before.
He has the ability to control games and wreak havoc amongst opponents’ defenses with his tendency to drop deep and receive the ball mid-spin, but with Klopp spending £64m on Nunez in the summer, he is certain to overtake Firmino. in a number. of games this season.
Bobby’s contract is due to expire next year and it will be interesting to see if the club are willing to offer him a new deal.
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