Young defender hails “special” Roberto Firmino after impressive West Ham display

Young defender hails “special” Roberto Firmino after impressive West Ham display

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has labelled his team-mate Roberto Firmino as a “very special player” who he believes is indispensable to the club.

Firmino starred at the weekend as Jurgen Klopp’s side hammered West Ham United 4-1 at Anfield, with the Brazilian scoring Liverpool’s third and his 22nd of the season.

Alongside his 22 strikes, the former Hoffenheim star also has 11 assists to his name, making him the club’s top assist maker.

But even given those impressive stats, Alexander-Arnold insists his team-mate is far more than just numbers.

“He’s a very special player. I think he’s definitely underrated in terms of the recognition that he gets,” the right-back said.

“I think he links the whole team together. He links the front three together, especially.

“He always plays a part. If you watch him closely, his drive and enthusiasm to get back and defend as a No.9 is incredible.

“Most of the time you see him past the halfway line, tracking back and making tackles. Sometimes he overdoes it, but in a good way. I suppose he doesn’t have to do it, but he’s willing to do it for the team.

“You don’t really see that from an all-round No.9. It just shows his hunger to win. I think that’s a big part of it.

“He is priceless to us. He scores goals, he creates chances and he gets assists. There’s not much more you want from a No.9.

“He wants to win, he’s a born winner. I think that’s very important if you want to make it in this game. You’ve got to have that drive to win. He’s got a lot of that.”

Barnaby Lane

Barnaby Lane

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