Roberto Firmino floated to another impressive performance for Brazil as his side ran out 2-0 winners in Friday’s friendly against the USA men’s national team.
The Liverpool man was handed a rare start by Tite having predominantly played second fiddle to Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus during the World Cup.
It didn’t take long for the Reds’ no.9 to reward his manager’s faith, bursting into the box to cleverly prod home Douglas Costa’s cross in the 11th minute.
Firmino was a typically unrelenting servant from the front, offering himself up as a pivot for his teammates to feed from as a means of starting attacks.
He displayed a familiar tendency to drift deep in search of the ball, drawing defenders and midfielders with him to creates holes for those around him to exploit.
Besides giving Brazil another technician to run off of, the Anfield favourite was sure to mix up his game with runs in-behind the opposition defence.
It was a performance that embodied his value to Jurgen Klopp’s setup on Merseyside, whether it be disorganising defenders with his movement across the front line, joining in with the build-up play or filling the penalty area to supply a poacher’s touch.
The interchanging he is so used to at Liverpool was also evident, allowing the likes of Neymar and Philippe Coutinho to step into advanced central roles whilst Firmino was operating in the channels.
To think Liverpool are on a four-game winning streak and Firmino is yet to rediscover his top form.
Here’s a look at his best bits from Friday’s game…
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