The Brazilian midfielder has been a star performer for Liverpool this season.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has told the Liverpool Echo that Roberto Firmino has become vital for Jurgen Klopp.
The Brazilian arrived at Anfield last summer under Brendan Rodgers in a big-money move from Hoffenheim, but he initially struggled to impress for the Reds as they struggled in the opening stages of the season of last season.
He has flourished since Jurgen Klopp arrived, though, showing marked improvement in his performance levels as Liverpool have developed under the Germans leadership.
The start of this season has seen him particularly flourishing as a central striker and Carragher has told the Liverpool Echo he has now become crucial to the team.
“I think he’s vital to Klopp, I think he’ll be one of the most important players in the team,” he said.
“The way he likes to play, and what Klopp wants from his players [is the same]. I think it’s brilliant that [Klopp]’s come in and got so much out of these players.”
A look at the stats certainly backs up Carragher’s statement that Firmino is now playing a key role for Liverpool.
So far he has three goals from his first seven games, just one less than top goalscorer James Milner. He has also managed 20 key passes, the most of any Liverpool player so far this season.
Both stats show he is very much a creative force in this team and it will be interesting to see if he can maintain his current high form throughout the campaign.
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