‘One of the best on the field’: £29m Liverpool ace earns rave reviews after international masterclass

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool star Roberto Firmino shone for Brazil in the Copa America on Wednesday night.

The Reds ace came on at half time in Rio de Janeiro, with the Selecao trailing Colombia 1-0.

Luis Diaz had opened the scoring against the host nation with a superb 10th-minute overhead volley.

However, Firmino levelled for his nation with a downward header from a left-wing cross on 78 minutes.

It proved a controversial equaliser as the ball hit referee Nestor Pitana in the build-up.

Colombia’s players paused expecting the official to order a drop ball, but he allowed play to continue.

Despite protests, the officials allowed the goal to stand after a VAR check.

And in the 10th minute of stoppage time, Casemiro sent Brazil’s fans into raptures with the winner.

Ironically, the huge amount of stoppage time came about due to Colombia’s protests after their equaliser.

Roberto Firmino was “fundamental”

Nonetheless, Brazil could celebrate, and the nation’s press was eager to praise Firmino for his display.

R7 wrote: “He moved a lot, participated in some good chances for the Selecao in the match and also helped in marking.”

Lance said: “It took a while (for him) to get into the game, but, little by little, he got up to speed and was one of the best on the field.

“Crowned with the equalizer after a cross by Renan Lodi.”

And Globo wrote: “Came in very well and was fundamental for the comeback.

“Before the goal, he had already made two good plays.

“In one of them, he went to get the ball almost in the middle of the field and then gave a backheel pass to Neymar, who hit the crossbar.”

Firmino joined Liverpool from Hoffenheim for £29m in 2015 and is closing in on 300 appearances for the Reds.

He has made 292 competitive appearances, scoring 87 goals and claiming 69 assists.