‘That’s world-class’: Neville defends £29m Liverpool man amid claims he was ‘struggling’

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Phil Neville lauded Roberto Firmino on Premier League Productions following Liverpool’s 7-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The former England defender thinks Firmino is ‘one of the best players in the Premier League’ and brushed off these claims that he is ‘struggling’.

It was an utterly dominant performance from Liverpool, who sent out yet another message to their rivals that they are here to attack the title, not defend it.

Neville gushed over Firmino’s display from the weekend and claimed that the touch and finish for his goal was ‘world-class’.

“I think the difference between the two sides was the final third,” said Neville. “That pass and turn from Mane [Liverpool’s second goal], that’s world-class.

“People talk about Firmino struggling and not scoring goals. I think he’s one of the best players in the Premier League. I think he’s that good in the way he plays. He has a vision. He brings people into play. He’s so unselfish.

“This is the devastation of Liverpool. Mane running forward. Minamino. Look at Firmino there. That touch [for Liverpool’s third goal]. That finish. That’s world-class.”

When Firmino was out-of-form, the one thing that was missing wasn’t goals, but his first touch.

The £29 million player [Sky Sports] would find himself either chasing his first touch or his lay-off wouldn’t find a teammate, but now that’s back and the technically-gifted Brazilian is a joy to watch when he is in this form.

Not many players in the Premier League play with the silky nature in which Firmino performs in and with him on song, it’s good news for the players around him because they can now dance to his tune.