Paul Merson isn’t surprised Liverpool star Roberto Firmino was snubbed by Brazil

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Brazil boss Tite decided against calling up Liverpool star Roberto Firmino to his World Cup squad, and Paul Merson isn’t surprised at all.

The 31-year-old has been a star at Liverpool since he joined them. He has played a massive part in their success over the years, but Merson believes his level has dropped over the last 18 months.

Paul Merson isn’t surprised Liverpool star Roberto Firmino was snubbed by Brazil

Firmino, like every other player, would’ve been dreaming of going to the World Cup. Sadly for him, he was left out, with Tite preferring the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison and Gabriel Martinelli ahead of him.

The Liverpool star hasn’t had a bad season by any means. He has scored eight goals and provided four assists in all competitions – more than the likes of Richarlison and Martinelli.

Merson too agrees that Firmino has had a decent season this time, but he believes the Brazilian hasn’t been up the mark for about 18 months now, which is why Tite snubbed him.

The pundit wrote in his column on Sportskeeda: “Roberto Firmino hasn’t made it to Brazil’s squad, and it doesn’t come as a shocker.

He’s done well this season but if you look at the past year and a half, he just hasn’t done enough.

“With the attacking ammunition that Brazil have, I’m not too surprised, to be honest.”

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Brazil have an incredible attack and they’re surely one of the favourites to win the World Cup this year.

The likes of Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Antony, and Raphinha along with Jesus, Martinelli and Richarlison make them a really dangerous side, and they could really blow teams out of the water.

Merson’s right, it’s no surprise at all that Firmino didn’t make the squad ahead of those names above. However, that doesn’t mean he’s a bad player at all.

He’s still brilliant, and although he hasn’t scored or assisted in his last five Premier League games, everyone knows he has the quality to deliver. Liverpool fans will be hoping he can find his feet after the World Cup break.