Sadio Mane has shown his appreciation for Roberto Firmino, admitting his love for his Liverpool teammate.
The pair have made up two-thirds of the Reds’ world-class front-three in recent years, along with Mohamed Salah, wreaking havoc in the final third.
Mane and Firmino have had experienced tricky seasons in 2020/21, however, particularly the latter, with calls for him to be replaced at the end of the season.
Speaking to ESPN Brasil [via Sport Witness], the Senegalese lauded the Brazilian for his influence, admitting he remains unsung:
He deserves more credit than me and Mo for sure. How he’s part of football always seeing to goals, but I think without Bobby I don’t see myself or Mo scoring as many goals as we are, to be honest. Because he makes everything easier for us.
I think Brazil are just lucky to have Firmino. I’d love to… I always say ‘Bobby, you have to change your nationality and come to Senegal’. Which for me would be a dream.
I just love him. And as a teammate I think he’s my favourite teammate. I love him.
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The brilliance of Firmino at Liverpool will likely only be fully appreciated by Reds supporters, with his selfless leading of the line playing such a huge role in Salah and Mane’s success.
His ability to drop deep allows space in behind for the duo, while his off-the-ball work has been phenomenal under Jurgen Klopp.
Despite this, there are now sadly signs that Firmino could be past his very best, with Diogo Jota arguably the better option moving forward.
The 29-year-old has had a disappointing season, scoring just six Premier League goals, and he must improve drastically between now and May, aiding the Reds’ question for a top-four finish and Champions League glory.
