Michael Owen has stated that Roberto Firmino is a ‘dream’ player for his Liverpool teammates after he helped his side to a quite remarkable 9-0 win against Bournemouth on Saturday at Anfield.
The former England striker added that Firmino, who supplied three assists and scored two goals, was ‘on fire’ for Jurgen Klopp’s side and the £29 million star (BBC Sport) is a player that has a ‘staggering’ first touch, as he told Premier League Productions.
Even by Liverpool’s standards, to put nine on the board is pretty impressive and that’s exactly what unfolded on Merseyside yesterday.
The Reds went into the game winless from their first three matches, including a damaging 2-1 loss to their bitter rivals Manchester United last Monday night.
But all of that anger and frustration was seemingly poured on sorry Bournemouth, who simply had no answer to the relentless and incredible manner in which the six-time European champions attacked.
If Darwin Nunez hadn’t got sent off against Crystal Palace, then Firmino probably wouldn’t have started against Bournemouth, but when he is out on that pitch, then as Owen alluded to, he produces magic upon magic.
“He was on fire,” said Owen. “We all know the class act that he is. He is just a dream for his teammates to play alongside.
“How many times has Firmino dropped into those pockets? He drops into the hole and then players run into the spaces he vacates.
“His first touch is just staggering. He just caresses the ball and has great vision. And he was at the heart of the great things Liverpool did. Two goals and three assists. Brilliant.”
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If Liverpool had started the new season with three wins, they probably wouldn’t have been as angry or threatening against Bournemouth.
They just met Klopp’s side on the wrong day and it has probably broken the newly-promoted team already, despite it only being four games in.
The summer transfer window will slam shut next week and it will be interesting to see if the Reds add quality to their squad.
There is a lot of talk about the team needing extra legs and quality in midfield, especially with Thiago Alcantara out injured and it seems as though those in the boardroom will be pushing for that player before the deadline.
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