Jordan Henderson has claimed that Roberto Firmino feels ‘like a new signing’ to Liverpool after his ‘brilliant’ performance against Manchester City in the Community Sheild on Saturday, as he told ESPN.
The Liverpool captain also bigged up summer signing Darwin Nunez and the impact he made from the bench, before praising Firmino’s performance at the King Power Stadium, following an injury-hit season last time out.
The Reds secured a 3-1 win against their Premier League title rivals, with Firmino, 30, starting in his old false nine role and running rings around Pep Guardiola’s side.
When Nunez was introduced into the action in the second half, Jurgen Klopp’s men were leading 1-0 through Trent Alexander-Arnold’s brilliant effort, before Julian Alvarez’s goal levelled proceedings.
But that’s when those from Merseyside changed gears, with Mo Salah converting a penalty and Nunez topping off an outstanding display with a brilliant stoppage-time header in stoppage-time.
Nonetheless, after the game, Henderson was full of praise for both of his attacking teammates and the quality they bring to the table.
“I think he (Nunez) gives us something a little different within the team,” said Henderson. “When he came on, I thought he was a handful. He looked a threat and I think him getting on the scoresheet will do his confidence, the world of good.
“But also Bobby (Firmino) was brilliant again. Being back after last season, he picked up some injuries and it looks like having a new signing with him, so I thought he was fantastic as well.”
FIRMINO OR NUNEZ?
Has Klopp already hinted at who he will start ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League opener next week?
On paper, it’s a straightforward tie for the current FA Cup and League Cup holders because it’s an away trip to newly-promoted Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Given that Firmino impressed from the get-go and Nunez proved to be a bit of a super-sub, then it’s probably logical to stick with that going forward.
Either way, with all that rubbish aimed towards Nunez after his first two pre-season games, life in Liverpool colours is starting to turn for the better.
There’s no doubt that there will be a few more bumpy roads ahead, but the fact of the matter is that Nunez has been purchased for the long-term and not the next six months, so he can take his time to settle.
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