Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino has been subject to rumours of him leaving Anfield over the course of the summer.
The Brazilian started in the 3-1 win over Manchester City at the weekend and was substituted for new signing Darwin Nunez in the second half.
Nunez made an instant impact with a goal and winning a penalty which showed he will be Liverpool’s number one option centrally this season.
However, there’s still a big role for Firmino to play – despite his contract ending next summer.
Jurgen Klopp: "For people with football knowledge, I'm pretty sure they'll write books about the way Bobby interpreted the false-nine position." 📖🇧🇷
Liverpool have Salah, Diaz, Jota & now Nunez. But never forget their most underrated hero, Roberto Firmino 🙌 pic.twitter.com/CPbVXv4o87
— GiveMeSport (@GiveMeSport) July 23, 2022
Romano’s update
“Roberto Firmino confirms he has no intention to leave: ‘I love this team, city and fans. I’m here at Liverpool and I want to stay’, he told TNT Brazil.
“Juventus have never opened talks to sign Firmino, not even discussed by agents or clubs despite rumours.”
Roberto Firmino confirms he has no intention to leave: “I love this team, city and fans. I'm here at Liverpool and I want to stay”, tells TNT Brazil. 🔴🇧🇷 #LFC
Juventus have never opened talks to sign Firmino, not even discussed by agents or clubs despite rumours. pic.twitter.com/X2ZDYysXLY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2022
How important is Firmino for Liverpool?
He has been incredibly important but in the current line-up, he finds himself more as a third-choice central striker behind Nunez and Jota.
Klopp claimed last month that Firmino was a crucial player still: “Bobby is crucial for us, the heart and soul of this team”.
“Everything looks really good and I am absolutely fine with Firmino. For me, no doubt about his quality, so yes, he is essential for us”.
His ‘false nine’ style of play offers Liverpool a totally different option which will be key as the season goes on.
Our first real game of the season. Look at the difference in positions between Bobby Firmino and Darwin Nunez
Klopp said his "number 9 project" is something his team needs to get used to. Nunez received only 7 passes but won a penalty, scored a goal, and just looked so dangerous pic.twitter.com/VgeqJTFjy9
— Tactics LFC (@lfc_tactics) July 31, 2022
What could his role be for Liverpool this season?
With Nunez likely to start the majority of games up front for Liverpool, Firmino still holds an important role in this Liverpool squad.
Considering the Reds let Divock Origi, Takumi Minamino and Sadio Mane leave this summer, it means Firmino should receive more game-time.
Diogo Jota is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury making Firmino the first-choice alternative striker – a role that is clearly highly important.
He becomes more important by virtue of his style of play; whereas Nunez offers a more natural threat, Firmino can offer something different and should enjoy regular minutes as a result.
