TV pundit Jermaine Jenas lavished praise on Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino after playing a pivotal role in the Reds’ comeback win against Newcastle yesterday.

The Brazilian started on the bench in the 3-1 victory at Anfield but an injury to Divock Origi meant he was sent on just before half time. He played a crucial part in making it 2-1, winning the ball before passing to Sadio Mane. He then provided the assist for the third, with a superb flick to send Mo Salah through on goal.

Jenas believes the 27-year-old is a unique talent who Liverpool wouldn’t swap even for Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo:

“He is absolutely sublime. Over the years, he’s earned the respect. He’s earned the amount of space he gets. He’s the difference. Mane and Salah don’t have the magic to do what Firmino does in tight areas.”

“He has a vacuum of bodies that come towards him and he still knows where the space is to get out. It’s a special trait that he has. Automatically, you’d swap him for Messi or Ronaldo. When you break it down, for what he gives to Liverpool, there aren’t many, if any, who are better than him.”

Firmino has been receiving praise from all quarters for his display yesterday, and rightly so. His intelligence on the ball creates space for both Mane and Salah, while he has the vision to provide through balls for both his fellow forwards.

With two goals and three assists in his opening five league appearances this season, the Brazilian international is once again proving an indispensable player.