Steve McManaman reacts to Roberto Firmino’s display in Liverpool win

Add as preferred source on Google

Steve McManaman has told BT Sport (broadcast on 19/12; 14:40) that it was incredible to see people question Roberto Firmino recently, as he labelled his performance in Liverpool’s stunning 7-0 win on Saturday exceptional.

Jurgen Klopp’s men stormed to an emphatic victory at Crystal Palace. There were times during the first-half when the champions came under pressure. But Liverpool found another gear after the break.

Remarkably, the visitors only managed eight shots on target. Two of those attempts came from Firmino, and he scored with both efforts.

The Brazilian – who earns £180,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – also contributed a superb assist during the first-half. And with his performance coming off the back of his winner in midweek, McManaman suggested that Firmino has silenced any doubters he may have had.

“It’s incredible, the fact he was, not criticised, but certainly questioned in his ability and whether he should be in the Liverpool XI. Yes, Diogo Jota came in and had a blistering start to his career at Liverpool, but people were almost putting this man out to pasture,” he told BT Sport.

“And he’s bounced back by scoring a lovely goal against Tottenham. He was exceptional today. It wasn’t just his goals, it was his all-round play, link-up play, his assists today. The fact that he finished them off with a couple himself was brilliant.”

TBR View: Ominous result for title contenders

The 2-1 win against Tottenham saw Liverpool make a big statement. But perhaps, Saturday’s win sends out an even more ominous message to the Reds’ potential title rivals.

Liverpool were not always at their best at Selhurst Park. And they were able to rotate a couple of their options. Mohamed Salah came on for Sadio Mane before the hour-mark, for example.

And yet, they still put seven past a goalkeeper who produced an outstanding performance just one week ago.

If Liverpool were below par, it is frightening to think what they could do when everything clicks.