Brazil striker Roberto Firmino has kicked off the campaign like he meant serious business. It, however, isn’t something fans of Liverpool are used to seeing with the South American always looking off unfit when he comes back from summer break.
The striker no doubt loves his summer breaks. However, after a few weeks, he picks up the pace but supporters have got so much used to the striker needing to get used to Premier League demands once again.
Things are however different now as from the off, Firmino looked pretty sharp in front of goal. He expertly fired home against French giants Lyon in a pre-season game and then had Manchester City man Rodri running after shadows in the first half of the English Charity Shield in only his second game after coming back from Copa America duties for Brazil.
Only seven minutes into the encounter against Premier League champions Manchester City, the South American expertly controlled the ball before turning quickly to have England defender John Stones chasing shadows. The Brazilian then passed to African star Mohamed Salah who calmly latched onto the pass inside the box but shot wide.
Firmino played another key pass during that encounter and also completed 100% dribbles. It was a spirited performance by Firmino, the only piece missing in his game on the day was an assist.
The Brazilian followed up that display by delivering another master class against newly promoted side Norwich City as Liverpool kicked off their League season in Grande style. He did everything but found the net.
Firmino, 27, displayed brilliant composure and footwork in the Norwich City penalty area to send a precise pass to Mo Salah. The African finished the ball with style but it was the Brazilian’s fast thinking which created the chance.
The striker then almost found the net one of the goals of the campaign after he brought down Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pass on his chest before a composed spin in the area and perfectly connecting with his left leg.
The striker almost struck the shot too well with the shot being the perfect height for opposing goalkeeper Tim Krul.
His early day’s stat is encouraging and it is crystal clear that the striker has seriously hit the ground running.
In his last 96 games, Firmino has been involved in 63 goals. Over the period in consideration, the striker has averaged an assist or a goal every 109mins in the Champions League and in the Premier League. This is a player who normally has a rather sluggish start to a season. With the South American looking very sharp early in the new season, punters can visit top Uk Slot Sites to bet on the player surpassing the number of goals he posted last season.