Roberto Firmino set for boost as Ben Davies breaks…

Roberto Firmino set for boost as Ben Davies breaks silence on Liverpool exit

It's time for your Liverpool FC morning headlines on Wednesday, July 20.

Roberto Firmino could be set for double Liverpool boost thanks to Darwin Nunez

For those supporters who seemingly place as much stock in transfers as they do results on the field, it's a phrase which, when uttered, is in danger of causing their temperature to rise more than a UK heatwave.

It would be wise, then, to stand well back if you refer to any current squad member as potentially being like a new signing in the forthcoming campaign.

In fairness, shiny new faces are by definition far more alluring or appealing than refurbished old ones. Particularly when they have been at Liverpool for seven years.But there is a sense among the Reds squad this season may prove something of an Indian summer for Roberto Firmino.

The last campaign was one of frustration for the Brazilian, who suffered four separate injury setbacks. He missed the League Cup final through one of them, and was restricted to late cameos from the bench in both the FA Cup and Champions League showpieces. However, despite making only 17 starts - by far the lowest number in any season since arriving from Hoffenheim back in 2015 - he nevertheless managed 11 goals and five assists, with exactly half of his goal contributions coming as a substitute.

Bench duty may again be Firmino's most likely role this term - which has taken on greater importance with the switch to five substitutions in the Premier League - but the early signs are he has no intention of settling for that. In both pre-season friendlies in the Far East tour, and the win over Crystal Palace in particular, Firmino appeared sharp, linked well with his fellow forwards, caused problems for the opposition with pressing and dropping in between the lines, and was a goal threat.

Usurped by Diogo Jota and then Sadio Mane as the central striker last term, Firmino now has the sizeable frame of Darwin Nunez to overcome, the Uruguayan having been bought as a number nine in a transfer likely to prompt a shift in attacking emphasis away from the approach that sparked Firmino into life once Klopp was appointed in October 2015.

That, though, may ultimately work in his favour. Nunez will take time to bed in and, with Jota presently hamstrung, the responsibility will fall on the Brazilian to ease any pressure on the new boy. And it could well be that any move towards a 4-2-3-1 formation may see Firmino fit into an attacking midfield role in which he has previously excelled when Mohamed Salah has been the most advanced forward.

And the sense within the squad itself is the 30-year-old can remain a valuable asset.

Read the full story HERE.

Ben Davies speaks out after leaving Liverpool to join Rangers

Former Liverpool defender Ben Davies says he's at the 'best possible place' after completing a move to Rangers earlier this week.

The club confirmed his departure on Tuesday evening and they're understood to have agreed an initial £3m fee with a further £1m in add-ons. Davies joined the Reds 18 months ago in early 2021 but failed to register a single competitive first team appearance.

He spent last season on loan in the Championship with Sheffield United and, despite plenty of interest this summer, it is Rangers that have won the race after he signed a four-year deal with the club. Davies believes Ibrox is the 'best possible place' to spend what he expects to be some of the best years of his career.

"I’m just about to turn 27 and I want to turn what I think has been a good career into a great one," he told Rangers TV. "I’ve got my best years in front of me now.

“All my career, I’ve looked to take different opportunities. Going out on loan, taking moves when they've come about and not just staying in my comfort zone. That’s going to help me going forward.

"I think this is the best place possible for me. The expectation, levels and standards that the club has are exceptional and that can only bring the best out of me."

And posting on Instagram today, Davies added: "Thank you @liverpoolfc for the opportunity, thanks to the players, staff and fans for the amazing support and very best of luck for the future".

Read the full story HERE.

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