Cole: Firmino is the perfect team player

Roberto Firmino has been given due recognition for his selfless deeds in the Liverpool line-up after the Reds made it five wins from as many games to start the new season after a 3-1 win against Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.

The Brazilian was meant to play a bit-part role in the fixture after a week of international duty and a heavy schedule of games coming up in the next few weeks.

However, when Divock Origi succumbed to an ankle injury just on the half-hour mark, Jurgen Klopp called upon his number nine with the game in the balance at 1-1.

While Firmino did not get onto the scoresheet, he was the perfect team man supplying two assists for his frontline partners Sadio Mane and Mo Salah. Firmino’s unselfishness means he is often the least heralded of Liverpool’s brilliant front three. 

Salah won the Golden Boot in 2017/18 and was in a three way share for it last season, along with Mané and Arsenal’s Pierre Emerick Aubamayeng. According to most Bookmakers Salah is second favourite to make it three in a row this season. 

Mané represents better value with punters as he is more of an outside bet with five or six other players ahead of him. The Senegal man has started the season in blistering form but BetFred is still offering odds of 9/1 for him to repeat last season’s exploits and top the scoring charts.

Few would bet on Firmino being top scorer, however, because unlike all those ahead of him in the betting odds (and there are plenty) his driving motivation isn’t scoring goals. That is demonstrated by the fact most oddsmakers have him as a 40/1 shot. He may have a number nine on his back but he doesn’t think like your traditional centre forward. If you’re looking to take advantage of Online Bookie Betting Offers then Firmino is a much better shout for Player of the Year than he is to finish as top scorer.

The Brazilian was a joy to watch against Newcastle and if he can maintain this level of form then he might even be able to wrestle away the PFA Player of the Year award away from team-mate Virgil Van Dijk. Both are currently 16-1 shots with Unibet.

Firmino’s performance on Saturday deservedly won him the man of the match award and drew praise from multiple sources, including former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole, who was fulsome in his praise for the fan favourite.

The Liverpool Echo (via BT Sport) reported Cole as saying:

“These fans and this club have seen some fantastic players over the years but he’s doing things now where he’s up there with anyone.

“50 goals, the first Brazilian to do that, and what he does, when he brings other players into the game, he’s so unselfish. He’s a great player and was wonderful to watch today.

“Sometimes in your career you find a manager that fits you, knows your his guy and helps you mature as a player. 

“I think Brendan [Rodgers] maybe didn’t see him as that focal point.

“Jurgen, obviously has had more eyes on him because he played in the Bundesliga for so long, but as soon as he opened the door he put his arm round him, getting the best out of him.”

 
The importance of Firmino is also not lost on his teammates as Virgil Van Dijk discussed after the game.

“He’s a very important player for all of us.

“I know how difficult it is for a centre-back if the striker is dropping – you don’t want to go as a central defender. 

"He is making life difficult for any defender in the world. He is so good and I’m very happy he’s in my team.”