- Roberto Firmino emerges as most productive Liverpool forward since debut in 2015
- Brazilian scored one and assisted another in Friday’s 3-3 draw with Arsenal
- Firmino took league tally this season to seven goals and four assists
- SEE MORE: Robertson uncovers positive from Liverpool’s collapse v Arsenal
Roberto Firmino’s value to Liverpool is becoming clear both through his performances on the pitch of late and the impressive stats he is racking up.
The Brazilian has long been recognised by Reds fans as the unrelenting engine behind Jurgen Klopp’s explosive counterattacking style of play.
He is the focal point that grafts to put his teammates in the spotlight and the nuisance than so often plays an undetected role in Liverpool’s goals.
Friday saw the No.9 register an assist and score a vital equaliser in his side’s 3-3 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates.
In doing so, the former Hoffenheim man extended his lead as the most productive Liverpool forward in the Premier League since his debut for the club in 2015.
Roberto Firmino has been involved in more PL goals than any other @LFC player since his debut in August 2015 – 46 (28 goals & 18 assists) #ARSLIV#PLpic.twitter.com/wAVil4rEYg
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) December 22, 2017
Firmino’s efforts against Arsene Wenger’s side also meant he has now scored and assisted in the same game a total of eight times this season.
Firmino both scored and assisted a goal in the same match twice last season. Last night was the 8th time he’s done it in 2017/18:
Watford A
Hoffenheim H
Arsenal H
Maribor A
Sevilla A
Spartak H
Bournemouth A
Arsenal A
Four times in his last seven starts 🔥🔥🔥🔥— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) December 23, 2017
After coming under pressure for his lack of conviction earlier this season, Firmino has started to resurface as an integral part of Klopp’s setup through both his work ethic and the figures he is putting on the board.
Behind Liverpool’s counterattacks is often Firmino spearheading his team’s efforts to retrieve the ball and forcing mistakes from opposition defenders.
There, admittedly, is room for more goals to his game but his overall importance can’t be undermined.