Roberto Firmino has been part of the furniture at Anfield since 2015, with the Brazilian forward taking in over 350 appearances and scoring more than 100 goals for Liverpool across eight memorable years. He is a Premier League and Champions League winner, with seven medals collected in total during his time on Merseyside.
The South American has been a revelation under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, with the qualities he brings to the table perfectly suited to the fabled ‘gegenpressing’ system favoured by a highly-decorated German coach.
Could it be the case, though, that Firmino is taking in a long goodbye? Should that be the case? With only a matter of months left to run on his current contract, some big questions require answers when it comes to his immediate future.
Change
Reds goals for Bobby Firmino! pic.twitter.com/mZq3kQJaxi
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 27, 2022
There is no escaping the fact that the Samba star has slipped down the pecking order somewhat of late. Liverpool have invested heavily in alternative attacking options, with the once talismanic front three of Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane being broken up.
Change has, rather inevitably, presented the odd teething problem. The Reds have not been as dominant in 2022-23 as they would have hoped, and those wanting to bet live football won't find it hard to believe that they are priced at 6/4 for a top-four finish and 1/2 to miss out on Champions League qualification.
Mane has been a big miss, of that there is no doubt. While suitable successors to the Senegalese superstar have been acquired, none are quite ready to fill the most distinguished of boots. The same can be said for a central striking, No.9 position.
Firmino may no longer be the first pick to occupy that role, but he remains a useful asset at Klopp’s disposal and rarely lets anybody down when called upon – be that when making the odd start or providing an impact option off the bench.
As Liverpool continue to build bridges from one era to the next, there is plenty to be said for keeping Firmino around for one more season at least. Klopp has said on that subject: “Bobby knows the situation here and what we think of him, that's clear. I can't see any kind of problems there.”
Firmino has also expressed a desire to stay on, saying of his expiring deal: “I’m happy here and I intend to stay here and help Liverpool FC. It’s a dream for all players to win the Premier League and Champions League. It’s history, a huge legacy.”
Folklore
Roberto Firmino is pure positive vibes pic.twitter.com/47cvFNx5x5
— GOAL (@goal) April 14, 2022
The legacy that Firmino will leave behind when the day does come for him to bid farewell to Anfield is beyond question. He has exceeded all expectations and written his name into Liverpool folklore alongside some household names.
He may never have been as prolific as a Salah or Ian Rush, been as creative as Kenny Dalglish or as hard in the tackle as Steven Gerrard and Graeme Souness, but there is a standing for him among the greats. Whether that legacy can be enhanced in the months and years to come remains to be seen, but Liverpool will always find a place for their Brazilian Bobby Dazzler in collective hearts and minds.
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