Cole: Firmino is the perfect team player

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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.

The performance deservedly won him the man of the match award.

Former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole 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.”


 

 

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[Lee909]

[Section_31]

If I owned a pocket watch I'd be keeping a close eye on it in Cole's company.

[Pureblood]

Agree with Joe Cole 100%. 

[sir roger]

How many more eyes does Jurgen have than Brendan ?

[El Dangerous]

Who gives a fuck what he thinks.