"Has to start against Manchester City" - Liverpool fans thrilled with star's fantastic display against Benfica
Liverpool fans online have heaped praise on the performance put in by forward Roberto Firmino against Benfica in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
Both sides played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at Anfield on Wednesday, with Firmino scoring a second-half brace. However, the Reds went through to the semifinals after winning the two-legged tie 6-4 on aggregate.
They will now face La Liga side Villarreal in the last-four. The Yellow Submarine caused an upset by knocking out Bayern Munich in their quarterfinals.
Roberto Firmino scored his first goal of the game in the 55th minute after Diogo Jota found him unmarked in the box which resulted in an easy tap-in. The Brazilian international scored his second and the Reds' third 10 minutes later after converting from a Kostas Tsimikas free-kick.
Liverpool fans online were in awe of Roberto Firmino once again after the forward was handed a rare start. Some have even suggested that the 30-year-old forward should start in their FA Cup semifinal against Manchester City.
Here are some tweets in that regard:
Firmino should start against City
idk what it is but a Firmino goal just hits different
@lfcJ7_ Once in a lifetime player
firmino is not a cult hero, he’s a liverpool legend and always will be
Firmino is a very healthy CL legacy
Firmino man, be selfish for once 😂
Absolutely adore Bobby Firmino.
Firmino is having one of the most underrated seasons ngl
Firmino when Liverpool fans start singing Si Senor: https://t.co/4QVxSfxQsh
Roberto Firmino has found it hard to get regular game time this season due to various injuries and the emergence of Diogo Jota. However, the forward usually performs whenever called upon by manager Jurgen Klopp.
As things stand, Roberto Firmino has scored 10 goals and provided four assists in 30 appearances for the Reds across all competitions.
However, it is worth noting that Firmino's long-term future at Liverpool is still in doubt. The Brazilian forward currently has barely a year remaining on his current contract. There have been no advancements in the negotiations which could see him leave Anfield in the near future.
Liverpool will now shift their attention to the FA Cup semifinals
Liverpool will now turn their attention towards the semifinals of the FA Cup. The Reds have been drawn alongside their Premier League title-rivals Manchester City to battle for a place in the final.
The winner of this tie will face either Chelsea or Crystal Palace in the showpiece game at Wembley Stadium.
The Reds drew 2-2 against Manchester City at the weekend in the Premier League. They remain a point behind Pep Guardiola's side, who are perched at the top of the table. There are seven matches remaining in the season now.
It is worth mentioning that Jurgen Klopp has not won the FA Cup since taking over the Merseyside club back in 2015. This is also his first ever semifinal in the cup competition.
"For most teams, it's the biggest thing you can achieve." 🏆
Jürgen Klopp has his sights firmly set on #EmiratesFACup glory https://t.co/uB9XYttrLn
The Reds have already secured one domestic trophy this season. They won the Carabao Cup back in February after beating Chelsea in the final in a penalty shootout.