FALSE-NINE FIRMINO IS THE REAL DEAL
And Alexander-Arnold insists the Brazilian is PRICELESS
FALSE-NINE Roberto Firmino has been hailed as the real deal for Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp was questioned when he deployed Firmino as the spearhead of Liverpool’s attack because the Samba star is not a natural striker.
Firmino justified Klopp’s controversial move and is now enjoying his best-ever season, having notched up 22 goals and 12 assists.
Trent Alexander-Arnold claims the Brazilian does not get the credit he deserves for his displays, but says the players understand his importance to the team as their No.9.
“He’s a very special player,” he said. “He’s definitely underrated in terms of the recognition that he gets.
“He links the whole team together. He links the front three together, especially.
“He’s priceless to us. He scores goals, he creates chances and he gets assists. There’s not much more you want from a No 9. He wants to win, he’s a born winner.
“That’s very important if you want to make it in this game. You’ve got to have that drive to win and he’s got that.” Alexander-Arnold also praised Firmino for his hard work for the team and he is the first line of their defence, often leading Klopp’s press. “He always plays a part,” said the right-back. “If you watch him closely, his drive and enthusiasm to get back and defend as a No.9 are incredible. “Most of the time you see him past the halfway line, tracking back and making tackles. Sometimes he overdoes it, but in a good way. I suppose he doesn’t have to do it, but he’s willing to do it for the team. “You don’t really see that from an all-round No.9. It just shows his hunger to win. I think that’s a big part of it.” Firmino’s goal against West Ham was his sixth in his last eight appearances and the other members of Liverpool’s front three – Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane – also netted. The trio have already amassed 66 goals this season and Alexander Arnold (left) says it is a massive boost for the defenders knowing they are in such prolific form. “We’ve got a really good attack and everyone is in fine form,” he added. “Hopefully there’s no stopping the goals.
“The defenders know if they put that solid foundation down, the attackers will do their job every week.
“Everyone is playing their part in the results. The manager isn’t putting the same team out every week and it shows that there’s such good squad depth at the minute.
“Every week we’re fighting for our place and every time we go on to the pitch, we think we can score goals.”