Is Roberto Firmino becoming Liverpool's new Suarez?

After impressive displays thus far this season, the Brazilian's goal-scoring tally has reached 17 goals in all competitions. Not only goals but his overall contribution to the cause means Jurgen Klopp trusts the 26-year-old, who will undoubtedly be relied upon to soften the blow of losing Philippe Coutinho in a big-money switch to La Liga giants Barcelona earlier this month.

Klopp has been a long-term admirer of Firmino as a hard runner and someone who has the capacity to press at the top of the attack. Despite many suggesting he's not an out-and-out centre-forward, the former Hoffenheim man is proving his worth nonetheless.

Firmino has worked well alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané in the attacking third - just like Suarez did back with Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling under Brendan Rodgers.

So, is the Brazilian their new Suarez?

Firmino has never really been seen as the conventional Brazilian and grafted hard to break into the Brazil setup not long ago. The Seleção have continuously been blessed with quality forwards - the current frontline is no exception - with Neymar and Gabriel Jesus in full flow.

Yet, he has demonstrated his abilities to succeed alongside the aforementioned duo in the famous yellow jersey due to form with the Reds. He has netted 31 goals and created 19 assists in England's top flight since sealing a £29m move two-and-a-half years ago.

Firmino now only needs eleven more goals to become the league's highest-scoring Brazilian - a record currently held by Coutinho, who scored 41 goals and a further 35 assists during his tenure on Merseyside.

Replacing Daniel Sturridge

Firmino in action alongside Sturridge during a pre-season friendly

Critics were quick to brand Firmino too sluggish for the rigours of Premier League football, a player that would ultimately struggle to fit into Liverpool's hard-working playstyle. Instead, though, he has silenced those same doubters and equally proved his ability to settle after a challenging start.

This season, Firmino has performed well in a more central role even with speculation continuing to rise about Liverpool's pursuit of a world-class striker to replace the injury-prone Sturridge in future. Klopp's decision to place faith in Firmino has ultimately been a triumph, as he has rewarded his manager with some of his best career displays so far in turn.

Performances against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, as well as the lesser-fancied sides including Watford, have all proved important for Firmino this term. He was initially utilised out on the wing under Brendan Rodgers during their brief stint together, with players like Sturridge and Christian Benteke always featuring up top instead, which is part of the reason why his production numbers are not more impressive.

Transformation to striker

No-one really knows whether Firmino was an acquisition by Rodgers or Liverpool's transfer committee board with Manchester United also linked - but his development really progressed under Klopp's management.

Sturridge's star status complicated issues at first but Liverpool impressed when Firmino played in the false nine role, alongside Coutinho and Adam Lallana as part of an unpredictable front three.

Mané's arrival at Liverpool helped accelerate Firmino's progression as he provided blistering pace and further purpose to attacks while supporting creativity from midfield with Lallana dropping into deeper positions.

As a result, they managed to finish fourth after a final day victory over already-relegated Middlesbrough, qualifying for the Champions League in the process.

Firmino, pictured here tussling with Swansea's Roque Mesa, regularly leads the line for Liverpool

Firmino has benefited from Klopp's faith in his ability and work-rate while embracing the challenges which come with leading Liverpool in the attack. Incorporating the instincts of a genuine striker while utilising his experience as a false nine, Firmino's now more of a complete package - prompting memories of Suarez during his best days at the club.