Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Roberto Firmino is “one of the most underrated players in the Premier League”.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has told Sky Sports that Roberto Firmino has made himself the first name on the teamsheet with his performances for the Reds this season.
Carragher added that the Brazilian is one of the most underrated players in the Premier League, having largely falling under the shadow of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and the now departed Philippe Coutinho at Anfield.
The 39-year-old’s praise comes on the back of Liverpool’s stunning 4-3 victory over the previously-unbeaten Manchester City on Sunday, in which Firmino scored one and assisted another.
Carragher told Sky Sports: “Firmino is one of the most underrated players in the Premier League – he’s highly rated by Jurgen Klopp but outside Liverpool he’s not mentioned when talked about top strikers.
“He’s got 17 goals this season – he’s the first name on the teamsheet. Yes, you’ve got Salah and Mane, but Firmino’s hold-up play and work off the ball makes him one of the best attacking players in the Premier League. He’s a top player.”
Firmino from Hoffenheim in 2015 with a reputation as a versatile attacker, but manager Jurgen Klopp has made the 26-year-old his first-choice number nine ahead of Daniel Sturridge, and others.
While the South American is a way behind Harry Kane’s 28 club goals in all competitions this campaign, his 17 is more than Romelu Lukaku, Alvaro Morata, Alexandre Lacazette and Gabriel Jesus.
When combining this goal return with nine assists and a selfless work ethic, it is difficult to argue Carragher’s point that Firmino should be considered one of the Premier League’s top strikers.
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