Jurgen Klopp has hailed the form of Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino, after his midweek Champions League brace.
The Reds boss faced questions from the press this morning via Liverpool FC on YouTube. Asked about Firmino’s current uptick in form, Klopp says he’s playing brilliantly.
Bobby is in a really good moment. Really happy for him. Really, really happy for him,” said the German. Pressed for further comment on what the 31-year-old’s good form is down to, Klopp said he’s still looking for more from his No.9.
“Yes, Bobby [Firmino] numbers wise it is like this but last night [Wednesday] he scored two and how many against Bournemouth?” said Klopp. “Bobby is an exceptional player, nobody else said it more than I said it but it’s not like he was flying in all games. But this moment helps of course. Loved the first goal [against Rangers], loved the second goal, it was an incredible cross by Joey, but that Bobby is there makes a difference.
“Nothing changed really for Bobby, he always played when he was fit in this team and he always contributed when he was fit, all these kinds of things but we have to do it again and again and again.”
Bobby keeps up the fight for new contract
Firmino’s return to form has perhaps been the most pleasing thing about Liverpool’s season so far.
That isn’t saying an awful lot really, Liverpool’s season has been largely a bit of a wash out. Nevertheless, Firmino is a popular figure at the club and it’s great to see him doing well.
After a season disrupted by injury in 2021/22, some had maybe written his Liverpool career off.
Two months into the campaign and the Brazil international has made a mockery of those suggestions. Eight goals and three assists in 12 games is his best start ever to a season at the club.
Firmino’s next challenge is to continue that. Having been edged out of the team by first Diogo Jota and then Darwin Nunez, he’s now in a position where he holds the shirt again.
Keep up the good form, and there’s no reason he can’t keep a grip of it for the rest of the season. He gives Liverpool a different option to both Jota and Nunez and can bring out the best in Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.
Now that he’s added goals to his game, he should be pretty much un-droppable for Liverpool right now.
Bobby is currently playing for a new contract at Anfield well as his World Cup place with Brazil. That surely has to be factored into any commentary about his form right now. But keep performing as he is, and the £180k-a-week man may well secure both of those targets.
