Position and characteristics:
Naturally, Firmino is a marauding attacking midfielder. He’s not so much a creative no.10 who sits and looks to create chances because he’s too dynamic – and spends too much time making runs off the ball or trying his luck down the flanks. For Hoffenheim he mainly plays in the most advanced midfield role just behind a lone striker. From here, he can arrive late in the box, shoot from distance and run at defenders when in possession. Intriguingly though, Brazil use him as an out and out centre-forward due to his clinical finishing. At the Copa America currently, Coutinho is playing as no.10 for Brazil, with Firmino leading the line…
