Uncovering Football’s Next Roberto Firmino: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

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Identifying Liverpool’s Next Roberto Firmino: Tactical Analysis and Top Candidates

Introduction: Liverpool’s Iconic Front Three and the Search for Their Successors

Liverpool’s formidable attacking trio of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané, and Mohamed Salah played a pivotal role in the club’s golden era, capturing Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles. As all three stars approach the end of their contracts at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season and move into their thirties, the Reds are faced with the challenge of renewing their forward line for sustained success. This analysis focuses on the quest to find a player who can fill the unique boots of Roberto Firmino, aligning with Liverpool’s high-pressing, fast-paced football philosophy under Jurgen Klopp.

What Makes a Firmino Successor? Key Attributes in the Klopp System

A central requirement for any potential Firmino replacement is a natural fit within Jurgen Klopp’s tactical blueprint. Liverpool’s high-octane football is built on these main pillars:

Relentless pressing and defensive contributions from the front line
High tempo, quick transitions, and intelligent movement off the ball
Technical ability in tight spaces and adaptability in possession
Durability and athleticism to deliver consistently in a physically demanding system
Experience or proven capability in pressing systems

Moreover, Liverpool are seeking forwards under the age of 26, ensuring that new arrivals can develop, acclimatize, and deliver longevity—mirroring the circumstances when Firmino, Mané, and Salah joined the club.

Roberto Firmino’s Unique Role in Liverpool’s Attack

Roberto Firmino redefined the centre-forward position at Liverpool, evolving from an attacking midfielder into a ‘false nine’—a player who drops deep to orchestrate play, creates space for wide forwards, and leads the team’s press from the front. Rather than serving as a traditional poacher, Firmino’s strengths include:

Vision and creativity, especially in tight areas and during build-up
Exceptional dribbling and ball retention under pressure
High work rate in defensive phases; leading pressing actions and tackles
Contributing to assists and pre-assist play, even if not a prolific goal-scorer

Diogo Jota has already demonstrated his capability to play a Firmino-like role, but his profile leans more towards finishing than creative link-up. The challenge remains: to identify a player who can inherit Firmino’s distinctive, selfless playmaking functions, possibly even converting an attacking midfielder into a forward as Liverpool did with Firmino himself.

Top Contenders: Who Could Be Liverpool’s Next Firmino?

Amine Gouiri – Creative Flair with Pressing Potential

Amine Gouiri, the 21-year-old French attacker at Nice, has emerged as a standout in Ligue 1, contributing both goals and assists at a level reminiscent of Firmino’s early Liverpool career. Gouiri’s key assets include:

Creativity and trickery on the ball, with frequent standout moments of skill
Strong ball-carrying and frequent involvement in build-up play
Ability to drop deep and complete progressive passes—vital for Liverpool’s style
Impressive tackling stats for a forward, suggesting growth potential in pressing

Gouiri’s pressing and defensive output would need refinement to meet Klopp’s standards, but his age and technical attributes make him a promising long-term project for Liverpool.

Julián Álvarez – Energetic Pressing and Goal Scoring Prowess

River Plate’s Julián Álvarez, aged 21, is one of South America’s hottest attacking prospects. In 21 league matches last season, he recorded 18 goals and 6 assists. Álvarez stands out for:

Direct runs behind the opposition, stretching defensive lines
Relentless pressing, high energy, and defensive discipline
Finishing ability as a pure forward, although less involved in deeper build-up

While his current strengths lean toward goal-scoring and off-the-ball work, Liverpool could refine his passing and link-up skills to better match Firmino’s all-around game.

Georginio Rutter – Youthful Versatility and Defensive Tenacity

Georginio Rutter, a 19-year-old at Hoffenheim, offers both positional flexibility and an impressive work ethic—significant hallmarks of Firmino’s profile. Rutter’s contributions include:

Ability to function as a central striker or attacking midfielder
High tackling and pressing numbers, surpassing many peers his age
Goal and assist output despite limited minutes in top-flight competition

While his passing percentage currently lags behind Firmino, Rutter’s defensive acumen and attacking promise could be nurtured over time within Liverpool’s system.

Victor Osimhen – Pace, Power, and Pressing Intensity

Victor Osimhen, currently starring at Napoli, brings a different dynamic with his explosive pace and goal-scoring instincts. His key traits are:

Exceptional acceleration and physicality in attacking transitions
High pressing output, mirroring Firmino’s defensive leadership from the front
Strong dribbling and ability to unsettle defenders

Osimhen would need to improve his playmaking and passing consistency to fully emulate Firmino. Nevertheless, his energetic style and athleticism would complement Liverpool’s intense attacking philosophy.

Lautaro Martínez – Complete Forward Ready for Top-Level Competition

Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martínez is widely regarded as one of the most well-rounded strikers in football and presents a compelling option for Liverpool. Martínez’s advantages include:

Excellent finishing and composure in front of goal
Experience in high-pressing systems under renowned managers
Strong ball-carrying ability and willingness to participate in build-up
Notably high tackle success, highlighting off-the-ball contributions

Though not as naturally creative in possession as Firmino, Martínez’s intelligence, athleticism, and scoring prowess position him as a robust candidate to lead Liverpool’s new-look attack.

Conclusion: Who Is the Best Fit for Liverpool?

Replacing Roberto Firmino is an intricate mission, given his unique combination of creativity, pressing, and team-first mentality. Among the discussed candidates:

Lautaro Martínez stands out as the most complete replacement—capable of registering goals, pressing intensely, and adapting to Liverpool’s tactical demands. However, his transfer would require significant investment due to his high market value and established reputation in Serie A.
Younger options like Georginio Rutter offer long-term upside, especially for a club prepared to invest in coaching and development.
Amine Gouiri brings a near carbon-copy style of Firmino in the final third, though he may need time to adapt defensively.

As Liverpool look toward a future beyond their celebrated front three, pursuing a player who not only contributes goals but elevates the entire attacking ecosystem—just as Firmino did—will be crucial. Whether they opt for a seasoned star or nurture a rising talent, the next Liverpool No. 9 must marry intelligence, creativity, and relentless energy to help the club remain at the pinnacle of European football.