Brazilian pundits no fans of Liverpool matchwinner Firmino

Published on: 17 April 2017

Liverpool midfielder Roberto Firmino is battling to win over fans back home in Brazil.

Firmino proved the matchwinner at West Brom on Saturday. But he's not as well thought of in his homeland.

South American football expert Tim Vickery told the BBC's World Football Phone-in: "He's got a problem with the Brazilian public which is that he didn't play for a high-profile, glamourous club before he moved to Europe - he's made his career in Germany.

"Because of the injury to Gabriel Jesus he played for Brazil in the two recent two World Cup qualifiers.

"I think he did very well. He slotted in at centre-forward, was mobile, linked very well with his Liverpool team-mate Philippe Coutinho.

"He's getting some stick from some of the Brazilian pundits.

"I think that is purely and simply because he's not seen as a glamour player.

"He's mobile, he's intelligent, he's got that ability to swivel and play in 360 degrees - but not a high-profile player over here.

"It's someone who needs to keep on doing the business for Liverpool to raise his profile with his home public."

Source: tribalfootball.com

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