When Jurgen Klopp made seven changes to his starting XI for Wednesday's clash with Benfica, he took a huge risk. Despite a late wobble when it looked as if Liverpool’s players had eased off, the much-changed side comfortably saw the Reds through to the Champions League semi-finals for the third time under Klopp with a 6-4 aggregate victory.
One man who highlighted his importance to the German was Roberto Firmino. His two second half goals effectively killed off the tie before a late resurgence from the Portuguese outfit. In a rare start for the Brazilian, he linked up well with his fellow forwards and slotted home Diogo Jota’s ball across after a defensive disaster class from Benfica in the 55 th minute. Ten minutes later he volleyed home a delicious Kostas Tsimikas ball for his second. He took advantage of poor defending again but his movement and anticipation was a reminder of the forward’s class.
Firmino is not the key man he once was for Liverpool and he has slipped down the pecking order. Yet his performance was evidence of the astonishing depth the Reds now have, particularly in forward areas. His performance granted the other forwards a rest ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Man City.
