The Newcastle manager had nothing but praise for the performance of Liverpool star Roberto Firmino on Saturday.
The Brazilian international was not included in Jurgen Klopp’s starting eleven for the fixture against the Magpies, due to playing for his country in the USA just a few days prior.
However, he was eventually called into action in the first half after Divock Origi sustained an ankle injury.
At the end of the match Bruce couldn’t help but acknowledge his performance, believing he has ability to find space like no-one else.
As quoted by the BBC, he explained: “Liverpool were just incredible in the second half. It was just attack after attack.
“Firmino drops into those areas that no one else can. We were relieved when he was on the bench but then he came on and made all the difference.”
How good was the Brazilian?
Clearly he was a player that Bruce and Newcastle feared prior to kick-off. Unfortunately for them, their relief didn’t last too long.
As the St James’ Park boss notes, Firmino was absolutely instrumental to Liverpool’s comeback victory.
It didn’t take long for him to make his mark on proceedings. It was his smart ball-winning play and classy through ball that allowed Sadio Mane to score his second of the afternoon and put Liverpool ahead in the match.
By the second half he was pulling all the strings and his delightful flick was enough to give Mohamed Salah a clear corridor to run through and finish, sealing the 3-1 win.
A look at WhoScored shows that he won both his aerial duels, had two shots, made a dribble, four key passes and a tackle, as well as providing that assist for the Egyptian.
Audacious in possession and dangerous off the ball, there aren’t many defences around who can cope with the 27-year-old.
Liverpool fans will be hoping he can maintain his good form heading deeper into the season.
With a huge week on the horizon against Napoli and Chelsea, they’ll need him at his best.
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