Liverpool news: Pundit issues ‘big’ Roberto Firmino verdict after what he’s just seen
Kevin Phillips has heaped praise on Roberto Firmino after Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest to book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Sunderland and England striker said the 30-year-old “would walk into most teams in Europe” on current form.
Firmino impressed in a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on Sunday as the Reds kept alive their hopes of winning an historic quadruple.
The Brazilian has missed five fixtures because of injury over the last month but has returned with telling contributions at the Emirates and City Ground.
The January signing of Luis Diaz has somewhat disrupted the status quo at Anfield.
However, Phillips believes Firmino “still has a big role” to play for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
“Watching the game against Forest, he picks up positions that other players don’t tend to drift into,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“He is one of those players who can drop below his own midfield, pick the ball up and drive with it. He is so good at those one-twos. What an intelligent, clever player he really is.
“There is no doubt about it, he is a top, top player who would walk into most teams in Europe. He still has a big role to play.”
Firmino has contributed nine goals and four assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this season.
His contract expires at the end of June 2023.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has issued a ‘huge’ Liverpool verdict as a South American master plan emerges.