Arsenal FC and France legend Thierry Henry has opined that Liverpool FC may have finally found the replacement for their former star Luis Suarez in the form of Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino.
Firmio’s recent performance, after an initially slow start, has led to wide-spread praise for the Brazil star. Joining this bandwagon is Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who is also a huge admirer of the Anfield outfit.
Henry hails Firmino
His most recent performances have been crucial to the Reds winning back to back games against Manchester City and Crystal Palace.
Comparing him to former Liverpool FC superstar and current FC Barcelona forward Luis Suarez, Henry was quoted as saying by GiveMeSport.com: “Things changed during the season and it isn’t always easy. He is starting to show some signs that he can be that guy.
“Is he Luis Suarez? At the moment he isn’t Suarez. But he might be in the future. Is he the guy who is going to make Liverpool win a title? I don’t know.
“He is doing extremely well. If he can build a partnership with [Philippe] Coutinho, who knows?”
Is Firmino the next Suarez?
The Brazil star has been in sensational form since the turn of the year, scoring 7 times and assisting 4 goals in the league. While it was an initial tough first few months for the player who had been away on Brazil duty and in a new league, his recent form has shown what he is capable of.
That being said, Suarez was a very special player, and this was made evident right from day one when he scored against Stoke. It was evident, even more so, from his amazing solo run against Manchester United at Anfield in which he beat players for fun before setting up Dirk Kuyt for the first of his three goals that day.
Firmino’s movement off the ball is as good as that of some of the best forwards in world football right now, but his on the ball skills and close control is not like what the Uruguayan hitman had had when he arrived at Anfield. Firmino does appear to be more composed in front of the goal than Suarez was when he first came to Anfield, and also possesses a crisper shot.
However, one thing that separates Suarez from most footballers in the world is his never-say-die spirit that spills onto his teammates. Liverpool fans may never get to see another player like him.
