Roberto Firmino looked back to his best as he produced a stunning display during Liverpool’s clash with Rangers in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
With a huge Premier League clash against Manchester City coming up this weekend, Jurgen Klopp opted to rest the likes of Diogo Jota, Thiago Alcantara and Mohamed Salah.
Young stars Fabio Carvalho and Harvey Elliott were given the task to supply the ammunition for summer signing Darwin Nunez.
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However, it was Firmino who produced the goods when his team needed them most.
Rangers went ahead after 17 minutes through Scott Arfield, with Liverpool needing a come back, Firmino popped up with the equaliser in the 24th minute before scoring the goal to give the visitors the lead 10 minutes into the second half.
The Brazilian then assisted Liverpool’s third goal with a ridiculous flick into the path of Nunez who slotted home.
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In what was a near-perfect night for the Anfield club, nearly everything that Firmino tried came off, his touches, passes and runs off the ball were all top-notch. A truly vintage performance by the Brazilian.
Firmino was denied a chance to complete a hat trick as he was replaced by Jota in the 73rd minute.
Salah also came on and he stole the headlines as he scored the Champions League’s fastest-ever hat trick before a goal from Elliott made it 7-1 to the Reds.
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Firmino’s display delighted a lot of Liverpool fans, who took to social media to show their appreciation.
One fan said: “Roberto Firmino has to start every game for Liverpool at the moment.”
Another tweeted: “Roberto Firmino is carrying our club.”
A third fan added: “There are certain players you witness that play like they're in the playground, Roberto Firmino is one of them.”
In truth, it has been a disastrous start to the season for Klopp and his players as they find themselves 10th in the Premier League, 14 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
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Despite this, Firmino has provided Liverpool fans with something to cheer about as he has rediscovered the form that made him a fans’ favourite.
The 31-year-old has eight goals and four assists in 12 appearances across all competitions so far, he could prove to be a vital player for Liverpool this season as they look to close the gap between themselves and their rivals.
Will Firmino’s fine form earn him a new contract at the club? Only time will tell.
Topics: Liverpool, Rangers, Champions League, Roberto Firmino
Marcus Chan