Sport
FIRMINO – AN IDEAL REPLACEMENT FOR STERLING?
After a disappointing 2014-15 campaign, Liverpool have started to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League season. Burnley striker Danny Ings, Manchester City midfielder James Milner and Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Alan Bogdan have all made the move to Anfield this summer and now Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino has agreed to join the club as well.
The 23-year-old has starred for his country during the 2015 Copa America tournament and, after impressing for his club side Hoffenheim last season, Brendan Rodgers made the Brazil international one of his top priorities this summer. Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling may be on his way out of Anfield in the coming months and the 23-year-old could be the perfect alternative if the England international transfers to Manchester City.
Firmino is widely regarded as one of the best youngsters on the planet and his natural ability has caught the eye of Europe’s elite clubs this season. The Brazilian, who can play anywhere along the front three or in attacking midfield, has scored some brilliant goals and Liverpool fans will be licking their lips at the prospect of the 23-year-old linking up with fellow countryman Philippe Coutinho.
The former Hoffenheim forward possesses many of the traits required to be successful as a Brazil international and his skills will be useful at Anfield this season. Firmino is exceptionally quick and can unlock the best defences on the planet with his incredible vision. Furthermore, his agility and strong build enable him to shrug defenders off the ball – a trait that Liverpool lacked in attack throughout last season.
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling looks likely to move to Premier League rivals Manchester City this summer. Liverpool have already rejected two formal bids from Manuel Pellegrini’s side for the England international but it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the youngster start the Premier League campaign at the Etihad Stadium.
Sterling, who failed to step up and lead Liverpool’s attacking unit in the absence of Daniel Sturridge last season, has attracted attention from the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Real Madrid this summer. The winger has reportedly revealed that he wants to leave the club in the near future and the club are demanding a fee of £50 million for the England star.
Essentially, the 20-year-old is a very similar player to Firmino. Although the Englishman is valued at a higher fee, the Brazil star has performed better throughout the past three seasons. Not only has Firmino scored more goals, but the 23-year-old has assisted more, made over two times the amount of tackles and has been more involved with the overall play.
Firmino is not only an ideal replacement for Sterling, it could be argued that he is a better player. The England international possesses raw natural talent but remains a little naive at times, whilst the former Hoffenheim product has matured quicker and commands respect from his team-mates and his manager. The Brazil star will gel with the likes of Daniel Sturridge and James Milner in attacking areas, as well as compatriot Philippe Coutinho.
Sterling is England’s most exciting prospect for many years but that doesn’t mean that Liverpool necessarily need to keep the winger. If a player doesn’t want to stay at the club, the team should let him go. No footballer is ever bigger than the club and the 20-year-old must realise that if he is to stand any chance of staying at Anfield in the future.
In Firmino, they have the perfect alternative to replace Sterling. If the Brazilian international can settle immediately, he will play a key role for Liverpool this season as they bid to challenge for silverware. Rodgers has invested astutely so far in the transfer window and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the 23-year-old feature regularly alongside Coutinho next season.
