Crouch Hails ‘Genius’ Firmino

Firmino joined Liverpool from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in 2015 and has since been one of the best signings at Anfield having developed a scintillating partnership with teammates Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah.

The former Figueirense striker has scored three goals in 14 games across all competitions for Liverpool so far this season, and also assisted his teammates eight times.

Despite not scoring in Liverpool’s 4-1 Champions League win against Belgium side Genk on Wednesday, the 28-year-old put up an eye-catching display that left Crouch dumbfounded. 

“Some critics will argue that Liverpool's Brazilian showboats when he does these skills but you need to watch him closely,” Crouch told Daily Mail.

“He never does a step-over on the halfway line or a rainbow flick by his own goal to show off. He does everything in dangerous areas to create chances.”

Crouch said although he likes Liverpool’s famous trio, he would have loved to play with the South American.

“What I would have done to play alongside Firmino. If I was a manager, Mo Salah would be the one member of Liverpool's front three that I could not do without.”

“I have huge respect for Mane, too, but from a striker's point of view, Firmino would be the dream partner.

"I hate the term 'false nine' - I was an actual No. 9 and proud of it! - but Firmino plays this position better than anyone in the Premier League and the reason Salah and Mane's goal returns are going through the roof is because they have such an unselfish partner alongside.”

“Firmino was nominated for the Ballon d'Or this week and he deserves to be in that category.”