Neutrals can be excused for taking some time to comprehend just what a genius Roberto Firmino is.
He now has a bit of a habit of making those who initially doubted his talent eat their words having moulded into one of the most influential figures in Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The Brazilian made it two winning goals in two games on Sunday as his first half header helped Liverpool to a 1-0 victory over West Brom at the Hawthorns.
Not only did he produce the decisive goal but his intelligent movement and tendency to occupy different positions on the pitch proved to be key in disrupting a well-organised Tony Pulis side.
Speaking on Sunday night’s Match of the Day 2, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy praised Firmino for his performance and explained how he had forced him to change his mind on the forward.
“For me, in the last couple of weeks when Mane has been missing, he [Firmino] has stepped up to the plate,” he said, as cited by the Liverpool Echo.
“What I like about him is he’s got a fantastic work ethic first and foremost but he loves running in behind. You don’t have to be the quickest player if you know where the space is. He’s very calm in the final third.”
“A lot of people would expect that of a forward player playing for Liverpool but it’s easier said than done. When he first came, I wasn’t convinced. It was a really, really good performance and he’s impressed me greatly.”
“Against West Brom he was playing in off the right but he wanders about all over the place. He’s hard to pick up. He’s got that awareness and ability with other players to rotate that position.”
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He gets by no means the credit he deserves for just how easy he makes the game look at times, whether it be through his composure, the grace to the way he manoeuvres the ball or his seemingly leisurely yet incisive movement.
Any doubts over his hefty transfer fee when he first arrived have since been diminished.