Liverpool’s assistant manager Pep Lijnders has explained how respected Roberto Firmino is in the dressing room because of the role he plays as our false-nine.
The Dutchman has told a story during an interview with AD in his homeland about a conversation after Barcelona 3-0 Liverpool that occurred during last season’s Champions League semi-final first-leg.
Barca famously won 3-0, which was a very unfair result given what happened on the evening.
Post-game, Wijnaldum, who had been deployed up top in Firmino’s role – told Bobby he had a newfound understanding of his team-mate’s duties.
“Bobby, do you do this every game? Respect! I now see how heavy it is,” Gini told him.
Firmino has been criticised this term for a lack of goals, but the fact Liverpool waltzed to the Premier League title with seven games left is absolute proof of his importance.
Bobby’s role is creative – he makes the others tick – especially his wing-forwards Sadio Mane and Mo Salah – who wouldn’t score half the number of goals they do if Firmino wasn’t between them.