With a fully finished stadium and a renovated main stand, Anfield was packed with 53,075 souls – highest capacity since 1977 – belting out ‘You Will Never Walk Alone’ in full voice, as Liverpool thrashed defending champions Leicester City 4-1.
The fans at Anfield witnessed a Liverpool side that showed no fear or doubt in their ability.
“We have to change from doubters to believers” was the uplifting message Jurgen Klopp had given to the fans on his first day as manager of Liverpool last year.
The belief that he has installed into the players and fans was visible during the match, as even after Lucas Leiva’s silly error in the first half the fans kept singing the player’s name in full voice. Despite the brief setback, the team pulled themselves together to win their first home game of the season.
The one player who stood out from the rest on that day was the 24-year-old Brazilian Roberto Firmino. The player was influential in the game – constantly pressing forward, dismantling the Leicester defence and creating multiple chances in the game.
Phillipe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge constantly make the news and snatch limelight for their displays, while Firmino has gone unnoticed, despite his productivity and efficiency, and has improved over time since he joined the club.
His quality and importance to the team was on full display at Anfield last week as he netted the first goal of the game with absolute finesse. Firmino’s touch had “class” written all over it as James Milner’s immaculate pass to him was taken well with his right foot and put the ball in the back of the net with ease.
The Brazilian’s second goal also showcased his calmness with the ball and lack of hesitation when it comes to taking a shot. The Brazilian’s involvement in attack has been excellent – creating space and pressing the opposition deep into their half.
Firmino also has the ability to trick the opposition into believing that he has switched off, only to reemerge in unmarked places to create chances and score goals.
The Brazilian’s fabulous one-touch play is a sight to behold, often producing outrageous piece of skills, for instance – his first touch on a dropping ball which saw him control the ball, earning him an audible cheer from the Kop during the first half.
His techincal ability can’t be questioned – Brazilian legend Ronaldinho rated him to be in the same class as Mesut Ozil, David Silva and Andres Iniesta and urged Klopp to build his team around him.
Since Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers midway last season, Firmino has been one of the first in his pecking order despite the availability of natural strikers Christian Benteke, Divock Origi or even Daniel Sturridge.
The player’s strength is his ability to press, his movement, eye for goal and awareness around the box; exactly the kind of attributes Klopp looks for in his players. It is scary how good Firmino can be on his day, as is evidence against the defending champions.
Many big money foreign signings are often judged as “waste of money” after they struggle with the physicality and pace of the Premier League, something Firmino has been through in the past, after his signing from Hoffenheim for £29 million in 2014. But it is now evident that Klopp has been the driving force behind his success on the pitch.
The German manager’s faith in the Brazilian is not surprising since Firmino has been directly involved in 18 goals in 35 Premier League games, and he is currently Liverpool’s top goal scorer in 2016.
The difference in Firmino’s performance after Jurgen Klopp arrived at Liverpool is a clean indicator that the manager’s effect is real, and it's working.
With Firmino having enjoyed a full pre-season under Klopp for the first time, this season could very well put the Brazilian in the spotlight on Merseyside. With his constant supply of goals and assists, Firmino is increasingly becoming noticeable in the Premier League and will be an important player in the club’s quest for a league title in more than two decades.
Liverpool now have a potent attacking threat with the likes of Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and the in-form man, Roberto Firmino.
Roberto Firmino has just become another reason for the Red’s fans to be delighted about of what the future holds for the club. If the Brazilian can consistently put in the kind of performances he recently has, the Brazilian will be a constant goal scoring threat for the oppositon.
His style of play and versatility will not only bring success to Liverpool FC, but could also see Firmino become an Anfield superstar and a fan favourite.
