---
title: "Gary Neville jumps to the defence of Roberto Firmino after criticism"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/gary-neville-defends-roberto-firmino-criticism/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2020-12-22T15:00:00Z"
modified: "2020-12-22T15:00:00Z"
---

# Gary Neville jumps to the defence of Roberto Firmino after criticism

Gary Neville and Liverpool [do not have a highly amicable relationship](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2686607-the-most-disliked-individuals-in-manchester-united-and-liverpools-rivalry) by any means, but the Sky Sports pundit has still found time to issue esteemed praise for Reds striker [Roberto Firmino](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2020/12/21/gary-neville-hails-the-brilliance-of-world-class-roberto-firmino/).

Speaking on *Monday Night Football,* the ex-Manchester United defender praised the influence and the [‘unselfish’ work done by the Brazilian forward](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/firmino-world-class-stats-dont-matter-klopp-liverpool/ba8dxcqiawub1d3ugj3cfavvz), who has recently come in for [criticism for his lack of goals](https://talksport.com/football/785413/jurgen-klopp-roberto-firmino-liverpool-thiago/) and a dip in performances.

Firmino has enjoyed his best week for the Reds this season after grabbing a [late winner against Tottenham](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/dec/16/liverpool-tottenham-hotspur-premier-league-match-report) before netting a brace in the [7-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/420932-crystal-palace-0-7-liverpool-seven-talking-points).

The [£29m man](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/9893697/liverpool-sign-roberto-firmino-from-hoffenheim), who was signed from Hoffenheim in 2015, has answered his own critics of late but Neville stepped in to praise his role in the team. The 45-year-old said on [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football) \[via [The Focus](https://www.thefocus.news/football/gary-neville-comments-on-recent-criticism-of-liverpools-roberto-firmino/)\]:

> ”You see Firmino at Liverpool who does sometimes get questioned a little bit for not scoring enough goals, but I don’t think from anybody who knows anything about football questions him.”

The former Manchester United right-back went on to suggest that, because of the [goals of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/349839-mohamed-salah-sadio-mane-premier-league-golden-boot) on either side of the Liverpool number nine, Firmino’s impact often goes unnoticed.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Obvious drawbacks aside, Neville has nailed this one and [Jurgen Klopp would concur](https://www.bt.com/sport/news/2020/november/jurgen-klopp-defends-roberto-firmino-s-value-to-liverpool).

Firmino’s [pressing and link-up play](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/96182/Show/Roberto-Firmino) has been pivotal to the success of Klopp’s side in the last two seasons and the German is acutely aware of his importance to the team.

The 29-year-old came in for additional criticism in certain quarters early this season, including from [some Liverpool supporters](https://www.football365.com/news/fickle-roberto-firmino-pogba-pr-mailbox), when his [performances did undoubtedly dip](https://www.sofascore.com/player/roberto-firmino/143697) below his usual standards, all whilst [Diogo Jota was enjoying a purple patch](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/jota-impact-liverpool-similar-salah-klopp-headache-aldridge/1ixdq112s4wu9z9kenig0uy58).

Perhaps the lambasting he received was an overreaction but his form was off for a period and football fans can be a fickle bunch.

Although he may not score every time he gets the ball despite the Kop’s best intentions, Firmino’s influence on this team [epitomises the perfect Klopp player](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54815872) with his work rate and willingness to let his teammates take the plaudits.