Clive Thabo Dube
Sports Reporter
The ‘Phoenix Rises from the Ashes’ came to life last Wednesday as Liverpool found their tempo before a clash with well oiled Manchester City this Sunday at Anfied on what promises to be a spectacular encounter.
Liverpool squared off against Rangers in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage match and in the early minutes of the game, Liverpool found themselves trailing from behind, which has become a norm for Reds.l this season. Liverpool’s number 9 Roberto Firmino then capitalised for the away team and went on to level for the multitudes fans of their team.
As the night progressed, Firmino became overshadowed by the “Egyptian King” Mohammed Salah’s historical five minute hat-trick in UCL which became the fastest hat-trick in the competition’s history.
The 31 year old Brazilian joined the Reds in 2015 to come and save Liverpool after Luis Suarez’s departure and bring them back to the top hierarchy of the English football. The attacking midfielder had impressed in the Bundesliga with his former German club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Firmino currently plays as a false 9 but with his versatility, he can play all three attacking positions and has scored 77 league goals so far.
The centre forward has always been the cornerstone of the Anfield side. He shows up in times of need as he both assists and score goals without chasing numbers like regular strikers. His contribution to the team allows other team mates to shine at his expense. But his dedication to the team has not gone unnoticed by football legends like Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho and former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
In the English Premier League (EPL) the Brazilian Forward has this season scored twice against Brighton, once against Newcastle United. When the Reds cruised against Bournemouth 9 goals to nill, he assisted thrice in the match and last Sunday (9 October) he found the net again to equalise against Arsenal before the Gunners got back in front through a penalty scored by Saka.
The ‘YWNA’ fans and the whole locker room surely awaits to see him score, and earn an assist against Manchester City.