Klopp bats off key criticism of ‘world-class’ Liverpool star who has ‘rare’ trait

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has said that “it doesn’t matter” that Roberto Firmino chips in with less goals than fellow forwards Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

Firmino’s goal in last Wednesday’s Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid was his 11th of the season, with Mane and Salah scoring 18 and 20 goals, respectively.

However, Firmino has 12 assists, the joint-most alongside Mane and three more than Salah and has regularly been eulogised by Klopp for his role in his team.

Speaking to JOE UK, Klopp spoke again of the Brazilian’s importance to his teammates by highlighting his selflessness as a rare trait to find.

“He’s a connector,” the manager said. “It’s pretty rare that you meet a person like Bobby who is so selfless and unselfish.

“He’s like, ball there, ball there, pass the ball and he’s really happy about it. Then he realises ‘well I didn’t score for four or five weeks actually.”

Firmino’s goal against Atletico was also his first goal at Anfield this season and he has regularly been backed by pundits to continue his important role in the side.

Klopp stressed that point, saying: “But it’s unbelievable [his unselfishness], it doesn’t matter,” he added.

“No really, he’s world class. Just a sensationally good guy.”

While Firmino has not added the goal tallies recorded by Mane and Salah, some of his goals have arguably been more important than some of those scored by the other two in Liverpool’s deadly trio.

Firmino scored the winner against Monterrey in the Club World Cup semi-final, before netting the winner in the final against Flamengo.

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly in advanced talks with Georginio Wijnaldum about an extension to his Anfield contract.

Wijnaldum, one of Klopp’s key midfielders, scored his third goal in Champions League knockout ties for Liverpool in their exit to Atletico. but has less than 18 months left on his current deal.

Read more…