Steven Gerrard reveals Roberto Firmino is the first name on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team-sheet

‘He is as interested in setting someone up as scoring’: Steven Gerrard reveals Roberto Firmino is the first name on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team-sheet

  • Roberto Firmino is essential for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, says Steven Gerrard
  • The former Liverpool captain insists Firmino’s unselfishness is key for the team
  • James Milner’s form also makes him an automatic selection for Klopp

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed the man who is always first on the  team sheet under Jurgen Klopp: Roberto Firmino.

The Brazilian has become an integral member of Klopp’s attacking triumvirate since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund and Gerrard, now manager at Rangers, he insists Firmino’s unselfishness for team-mates has won over the German boss.

‘He is as interested in setting someone up as scoring. He is always looking for other players,’ Gerrard told BBC Radio 5 live. 

Star striker Roberto Firmino is the first name on Liverpool’s team-sheet, reveals Steven Gerrard

His unselfishness in Klopp's attacking front three has seen his become an indispensable asset

His unselfishness in Klopp’s attacking front three has seen his become an indispensable asset

‘I remember having a chat with Klopp in his early days and he was key with how he wants to play. He is the first name on Klopp’s team sheet and I appreciate that.’

Firmino arrived on Merseyside in 2015 after joining the club from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.

While he can produce moments of genius, such as the late winner in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, his link-up play with team-mates Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane has seen him become an indispensable asset.

Gerrard also feels that alongside Firmino, James Milner is another player that picks himself in Klopp’s first-choice side.

While Firmino is the first name, Gerrard is convinced James Milner is picking himself on form

While Firmino is the first name, Gerrard is convinced James Milner is picking himself on form

The Rangers boss reflected on the state of play of his old side when speaking on BBC 5 Live

The Rangers boss reflected on the state of play of his old side when speaking on BBC 5 Live

Summer signings Naby Keita and Fabinho are struggling to dislodge the former Aston Villa and Manchester City stalwart following a super start to the season.

For Gerrard, watching Milner ‘in the form of his life’ has thrown up selection headaches ahead of Saturday evening’s trip to face Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea.

The two sides met on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup but with both managers to return to their full-strength sides for the Stamford Bridge match, Klopp will want to see a marked improvement on the 2-1 defeat at Anfield days ago. 

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