Adam Lallana is widely considered to be the most-improved player since Klopp’s arrival. He keeps breaking his own records for distance ran in a match, and he’s finally started added goals to his game.
But one player who runs him close is Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino.
A few people raised their eyebrows last season when Klopp decided to start with Firmino over either Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, or Christian Beneteke in the biggest games of last season. But the longer Klopp’s reign goes on, the more you can see why he loves the 24-year-old so much.
In an interview with SkySports on their Monday Night Football show (cited on Echo), Klopp explained why the role that Firmino fulfills is important to the way he sets his team up.
Is Firmino now undroppable? There is a case to say he is the first name on the teamsheet. But you can also make the same case for at least four other players.
“Roberto is a player who is always involved in all offensive and defensive action. He has a natural skill. He doesn’t think too much, he’s an instinct player. He can play in nearly all offensive positions.
“He has the physical ability to be in the centre and that’s the toughest job physically as you are involved on both sides. When we are a bit deeper, he’s involved. He always has a job to do,
“Our No 9 and No 10 have to split the pitch for us. If they are playing on a specific side then close the gap. Don’t allow the No 6 to play an easy ball. It’s about being compact. We need to close the gaps. It’s all about timing”
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