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‘Brilliant brain’: Paul Scholes delivers high praise for Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino

Photo by Alex Livesey - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
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Paul Scholes has praised the ‘brilliant brain’ of Roberto Firmino and how he has been the one to knit Liverpool’s front three together over the years.

When Firmino scored Liverpool’s seventh goal on Sunday against Manchester United, it could be argued that the 31-year-old got the loudest of cheers.

The reason is that he will depart Anfield in the summer after winning every trophy possible on Merseyside.

Liverpool FC v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

When Firmino does head for the exit door, then Mohamed Salah will be the only one left of the old Liverpool front three that caused many teams nightmares.

For parts of the season, the Brazil star has been out of action because of injury and Scholes spoke about what the departing star brings to the table, as he told Premier League Productions (05/03/23 at 1:20 pm).

“You talk about that front three, which is brilliant,” said Scholes. “I always thought Firmino was a massive part of that. It’s okay having the lads who are quick and pressing.

“But I thought he had a brilliant brain. He knitted it all together, that link to the midfield to them players (Mane and Salah). I think they have really been missing somebody like that. I don’t think Jota and Nunez are like that. They miss that brain to link that together.”

Manchester United v FC Barcelona: Knockout Round Play-Off Leg Two - UEFA Europa League
Photo by Alex Livesey – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

FIRMINO A LIVERPOOL LEGEND

The time is probably right for Liverpool to refresh their squad and move on players like Firmino.

If Jurgen Klopp wants to win the big trophies again on Merseyside, then they need young, hungry and unproven stars ready to rise again.

That’s probably what will happen in the summer and it will probably be the biggest change Klopp has made since the German has been at the club.

Firmino has been there from the very start and the £29 million star (BBC Sport) will depart a Liverpool legend.