Roberto Firmino compared to Lionel Messi after stunning Liverpool performances – Mirror Online, Mirror

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Roberto Firmino has been described as ‘Liverpool’s Lionel Messi’ after some stunning performances from the Brazilian.

While Sadio Mane and Mo Salah usually get the plaudits for plundering the goals, Firmino has played a crucial role inLiverpool’srise to the top with his tireless work in the number nine role.

Jurgen Klopp’s men faceManchester Unitedat Old Trafford on Sunday eight points clear at the top of the Premier League after a 100% start to their campaign, which saw them pick up where they left off after last season’s Champions League triumph .

AndFirminohas been integral to Liverpool’s resurgence, knitting together a front three that strikes fear into the heart of defenders across Europe.

Signed from Hoffenheim for £ 37 million in 2015, Firmino was at first used on the left by then manager Brendan Rodgers.

But under Klopp the 28 – year-old has blossomed into one of the world’s best number nines – so much so that former Reds ace Jason McAteer says the team are not the same without him.

And the former midfielder says Firmino’s role with Liverpool is similar to that of Messi at Barcelona , with the rest of the attack built around him.

McAteer told theRacing Post: “They have had some great number nines and Roberto Firmino makes this side tick.

“Brendan Rodgers couldn’t work out where to play him when he was first at the club, trying him out on the left.

“Then Klopp came along with his 4-3-3 system featuring a hard-working midfield and explosive front three.

“They needed a magician in that attack who pulls everything together and it is similar to how Lionel Messi has played in aBarcelonateam set up around him.

“Firmino is Liverpool’s Messi. When he’s not in the team you can see how detrimental his absence is.”

McAteer highlighted Firmino’s half-time introduction into the Super Cup clash withChelseaback in August as a pivotal moment which helped ensureLiverpooladded more silverware to the European Cup they had lifted two months before.

“He didn’t play the first half in the Uefa Super Cup but came on at the break and instantly made an impact as they created a lot of chances, “said McAteer.

” The system suits Mo Salah and Sadio Mane but it is Firmino who makes it all work – without him, Liverpool are a different animal. “