BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has named Liverpool star Roberto Firmino as one of the best performing players this weekend after his hat-trick against Watford.
Writing in his weekly Team of the Week column, the former Tottenham forward lauded the Brazilian superstar. The striker scored his second Premier League hat-trick for the Reds in a 5-0 win for Liverpool.
Whilst Mohamed Salah’s incredible assist for Sadio Mane and stunning solo goal stole the headlines, Firmino also shone against Watford. The striker has been criticised in recent months for his lack of intent in front of goal, yet none of that was seen on Saturday.
And for Crooks, Firmino was in brilliant form on Saturday. The result put Liverpool further up the Premier League table. With the Reds, Chelsea and Manchester City starting to form a three-way pack at the top of the standings.
Crooks said about Firmino: “It is not often someone scores a hat-trick in the Premier League and isn’t named man of the match. However, that’s what happened to Roberto Firmino.
“The Brazil forward was in blistering form against Watford but not in the same class as Salah. Firmino won’t give two hoots about who was considered the best man on the pitch but he will care about the hat-trick.”
Firmino can build from Watford masterclass to rediscover his best form
Saturday gave Liverpool fans a stark reminder of just how brilliant Firmino can be on his day. And his performance also gifted supporters hope that the former Hoffenheim star could rediscover his best form for the Merseyside club.
A fit and firing Firmino will be key to Liverpool’s Premier League title charge. And if the attacker can build from last weekend’s display at Watford, then Jurgen Klopp has yet another invaluable tool at his disposal.
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