‘Unbelievably well’: Alan Shearer wowed by £29m Liverpool star’s movement v Arsenal

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Alan Shearer waxed-lyrical about Roberto Firmino’s off-the-ball movement during Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Arsenal and claimed that he did ‘unbelievably well’ for his goal, as he told Premier League Productions (16/03/22 at 10:20 pm).

When you are getting complimented for your movement inside the penalty area by Shearer, then you know that you have done something seriously right.

That’s what Firmino showcased at the Emirates last night when he came off the bench to dance towards the near post and peel off Gabriel to score Liverpool’s second of the night.

The firepower Jurgen Klopp can pick from is pretty incredible and that was proven by the fact that he was able to bring on both Mohamed Salah and Firmino ten minutes into the second half.

Nonetheless, after the game, this is what Shearer had to say about the quality shown by Liverpool’s £29 million signing (BBC Sport) inside the penalty area and how it’s a lesson for all young kids.

“They had to move the ball quicker,” said Shearer. “They had to get into those little pockets.

“Then Firmino comes on and he is brilliant at that. Coming short and dragging defenders out.

“It was a lot more difficult for them (Arsenal) in the second half compared to the first because of the movement and pace of play that Liverpool had.

“That’s all the top players need is that split second to get away from a defender – that is, for any young kid watching that tonight, that is elite movement of the highest level to find split second of space, then put the ball into the back of the net. He did it unbelievably well.”

Firmino is an underrated cog in this relentless and trophy-winning Liverpool wheel that is trying to push for all four honours this season.

The Reds have already added the League Cup to their cabinet and they will back themselves to add more as the season draws to a close.

They are in FA Cup action over the weekend when they can roll back the years to take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

In the 1980s, this was one of the biggest games in England’s top-flight, so it will be a classic game on paper and, hopefully, for the neutral, it’s a classic on the pitch as well.