Roberto Firmino is a ‘dream’ for Liverpool teammates – Steven Gerrard

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes Roberto Firmino is ‘the key’ player for the club’s success.

Firmino, 26, has been indispensable for the Reds since joining from Hoffenheim in 2015, playing a key role as the selfless striker in Jurgen Klopp’s attacking front three.

The Brazilian has forged a formidable relationship with team-mates Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, with the trident collectively contributing towards 91 goals across all competitions last season.

Salah invariably hit the headlines most weeks after netting 32 Premier League goals, in which he became the all-time goalscorer for a 38 game season, but that feat was only made possible through the unselfish nature of Firmino’s play.

Gerrard – who left the club during the summer of Firmino’s arrival – believes the striker is a ‘dream’ to play alongside for his team-mates.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, he said: “Firmino is an absolute genius when you watch him close up.

“He’s as interested in setting up a goal as scoring one.”

After a spell in the MLS with LA Galaxy, the former England international returned to his boyhood club to work as a youth coach until securing his move to Rangers in May.

He added: “Every time I received the ball he was always available and looking for other players – he’s a dream to play with.”

Firmino: “The Key”

Strikers are predominately scrutinised for their goalscoring ability, but in Firmino’s case, his overall contributions to Liverpool’s passages of play make him the key component in Klopp’s attack.

Already this season Firmino has made the joint-most tackles of any striker across Europe’s top five leagues (12), making 2.1 per 90 minutes, showing that his off-the-ball work is remarkable for a No. 9.

The 26-year-old has also created the second-most goalscoring chances for his team-mates in the Premier League (10) at a rate of 1.8 per 90 minutes, and he has also made the second-most passes (220), at a rate of 39.4 per 90 – the most in the division.

And of course, he has already scored three goals and created two assists this season, including the match winner against PSG in Liverpool’s opening Champions League group match. They next face an away trip to Napoli in the competition on Wednesday.

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