Any talk suggesting Roberto Firmino is no longer a vital player for Liverpool is wide of the mark, but Jurgen Klopp must also realise he won’t be around forever.
Few players, if any, have embodied the Klopp era at Anfield quite like Firmino.
His work ethic, charisma and all-round brilliance have played a major role in Liverpool becoming the world’s best club side, and he has done it in his own unique way.
Not many strikers on the planet are like the Brazilian, whether that be in terms of his selflessness, ability to drop deep or intelligence as a footballer.
Having struggled under Brendan Rodgers to begin with, Firmino came alive as soon as Klopp arrived, with the pair a match made in heaven.
Over the past four-and-a-half years, the 28-year-old has provided us with so many great goals, wonderful pieces of skill and eccentric celebrations, becoming one of the most popular players at Anfield in the process.
Despite this, there have been murmurings that Firmino could be improved upon moving forward, especially with Timo Werner continuing to be linked with a summer move to Liverpool.
A reason for this has been an apparent goal-shy tendency, with the Reds’ No.9 only managing 11 goals in 43 appearances this season.
To some, a more potent striker could make Liverpool’s front-three even more devastating, taking Liverpool to another level.
This simply isn’t true, though, and while 2019/20 hasn’t been the best season of Firmino’s career, there is still no denying his importance.
Put simply, Liverpool’s performances invariably mirror Firmino’s – if he is excelling, the Reds look unplayable, but if he is struggling, the opposite applies.
That’s because everything the Reds do in an attacking sense so often comes through him, with his link-up play and creativity getting the best out of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Put Robert Lewandowski into that front-line instead, for example, and there is no link man, which is precisely why Firmino is so invaluable.
He is a player right at the peak of his powers, and given his impressive injury history, as well as his game not relying on pace, there is no reason why he won’t remain that way for years to come.
Providing competition for Firmino is certainly no bad thing, however, why is why acquiring Werner’s signature is so important. Liverpool’s front-three have arguably grown too comfortable at times, but having top class competition in attack should only help in that respect.
Firmino turns 29 this year, so planning for long-term life without him is also crucial, rather than allowing him to age without having a tailor-made replacement ready.
People who judge the Brazil striker on goals and assists are never going to truly appreciate him as a player, but there are few more vital individuals to this Reds side.
I see no reason why that will change any time soon, as he looks to add to his legend at Anfield.
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