Why Liverpool should pounce on the next Coutinho

Liverpool’s deadly duo of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez not stopped scoring since January when the Englishman arrived at Anfield. The pair’s partnership has now even earned a nickname: SAS. They’re supported by the sublime Philippe Coutinho who drifts inside from the left wing to cause havoc for defenders. SAS’ deadly movement paired with Coutinho’s impossible vision and passing is a perfect combination. The only problem Brendan Rodgers may have is the lack of back-up for the trio. Should one be injured or suspended, Rodgers’ is short in attacking creativity so should look for a new attacking recruit in January.

Hoffenheim’s Roberto Firmino has had a superb start to the season, scoring seven times in 11 Bundesliga matches – the most at the club. He could be ideal for Liverpool. Hoffenheim’s has created 18 chances, including four assists. Again, the most at the club. Hoffenheim are 12th in the division and have scored more goals than Bayern Munich so far (28), and Firmino is a main reason behind that figure.

The 22-year-old is a typical Brazilian attacking player. Matched with sublime skill and fantastic dribbling is his eye for goal and his ability to pick the perfect pass. Coutinho is similar to Firmino but the latter is more of a showboat. Don’t let that cloud your judgement on Firmino, though. He is extraordinarily effective in the final third of the pitch and is a threat whenever he collects the ball.

For a skilful South American, the stereotype normally means he can’t battle well. Although he may carry a certain stereotype, Firmino is capable of fighting his own battles on the pitch having won 84% of his tackles this season. He fulfils the other end of that stereotype, though, having completed 36 out of 55 takes-on in his 11 games.

Firmino’s duels in 2013/14

His average pass distance of 16 metres, this season, is the third-lowest in the squad which shows exactly how and where he passes the ball. His passes are shorter than average which would generally mean he plays short, incisive passes in the final third – a good trait to have.

Firmino isn’t just a one-trick pony, though. He does a lot of running and gets around the pitch which shows he has a strong work ethic, something Rodgers believes has to be instilled in a player for him to fit into his system and style of play. His Heat Map against Hannover 96 proves his desire to cover the pitch.

Firmino heat map in 4-1 win vs Hannover

Firmino is good enough to start for Liverpool and he could easily fit into the side. In the Reds’ recent 4-0 win over Fulham at Anfield, Rodgers deployed a 4-2-2-2 system with Coutinho and Jordan Henderson in the ‘second 2′. If Rodgers were to use Firmino next to Coutinho, Sturridge and Suarez would never stop scoring with the amount of chances the Brazilian’s could create.

Firmino is a superb talent, he’s young and will have Europe’s biggest sides watching him within months – if not already. If Rodgers wants a top class attacking talent, then he should consider Firmino.