Mane: Firmino worth more to Liverpool than me and Salah

David Lynch

• Updated: 19 May 2021 11:06 BST
• 1 min read

Sadio Mane has described Roberto Firmino as the most important member of Liverpool’s front three amid mounting questions over his contribution this season.

A key part of the Reds’ successes in recent years under Jurgen Klopp, Firmino has strggled to show his best form as part of an injury-hit team this term.

The Brazilian has scored just six times in 35 appearances thus far, and has faced criticism for his failure to add to that tally during a barren run for Klopp’s men as a whole.

Diogo Jota’s return to training this week has led to suggestions that Liverpool’s No.9 will soon find his starting position under threat.

And it has even prompted talk that the 29-year-old’s future at Anfield could be in question when the summer comes around.

However, Mane has no doubts over Firmino’s value to the team, which he believes exceeds that of both himself and Mohamed Salah.

“He deserves more credit than me and Mo, for sure,” he told ESPN Brazil.

“But it is part of football, (people) always seeing the goals scored. But without Bobby, I don’t see me and Mo score as many goals as we have, to be honest.

“He makes everything easier for us. Brazil are just lucky to have Firmino. I have always said to Bobby: ‘You will have to change your nationality and come to Senegal’.

“For me, that would be a dream. I just love him. I think he is my favourite team-mate.”