One of the most iconic images of the 2014 World Cup was that of a distraught eldery man in a Brazil shirt, clutching his replica trophy as tears streamed down his cheeks. The devout supporter’s appearance encapsulated the collective heartbreak of over 200 million of his compatriots as they watched their national team humiliated 7-1 by uncompromising eventual winners, Germany.
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The host nation’s shambolic defending was at long last ruthlessly exposed by the Germans in possibly the most one-sided semi-finals in history. Rubbing salt into the wound was an Opta statistic that surfaced in the aftermath of the demolition.
Lone front-man Fred had epitomised his poor form in one stupendously anonymous performance. He was repeatedly jeered by the hostile crowd as he failed to make a single tackle, cross, run or interception throughout his seventy minutes on the pitch. Furthermore, the most time he spent on the ball was at the centre spot as a result of six restarts and taking kick-off.
With their faults laid so emphatically bare on home soil, the Selecao had nowhere to hide. Yes, their defence was atrocious but it’s difficult to comprehend how or why Brazil were subjected to such an unimaginative and ineffective frontman for so long.
It’s unthinkable that a country both blessed and obsessed with attacking football was unable to produce a formidable striker post phenomenal Ronaldo. Great attacking talents like Ronaldinho, Kaka, Robinho and, most recently, Neymar emerged in the years that followed but the attack was starved of a worthy focal point.
Between 2003 and 2006, Inter Milan’s Adriano appeared to be the real deal but a prolonged run of poor form, riddled with fitness issues and personal problems led to an early decline. Luis Fabiano had a decent stint but lacked panache and his prolific period was short lived, transpiring mainly between 2008 and 2010.
We’ll never forget Fred’s heat map from Brazil’s 7-1 defeat to Germany. Keep an eye on the centre circle. #BRA pic.twitter.com/ZNKOPIKoq5
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 13, 2014
Hence, the underwhelming Fred was, largely by default, given the responsibility of spearheading the Samba Kings’ attack.
Enough was enough and a new striker was desperately required.
And, unlike the meteoric rises of previous Brazilian prodigies, Roberto Firmino has gradually emerged as a viable solution to his country’s problems up top.
The 23-year-old was snapped up by TSG Hoffenheim from Brazilian second division side Figueirense in December 2010. He didn’t burst on to the Bundesliga scene like your typical wonder-kid, instead restricted to fleeting appearances as he was given time to gradually settle in his new surroundings and grow as a footballer.
In the 2013-14 campaign though, the attacking midfielder began to make his mark, scoring 16 goals and making 11 assists. The 27 goals he directly contributed to was a tally bettered in the league only by Marco Reus (29).
Playing in the number 10 role, Firmino harnessed his attacking repertoire. He developed as a playmaker, read runs and targeted spaces. He put in a real shift as well, boasting a fine number of tackles for a player plying his trade so far up the pitch.
Last season he was pushed even further forward and regularly led the line, a role he took to like a duck to water. Not only has Firmino matured in front of goal, but his intelligent movement means that opposing defenders are pulled out of position at will, while his ability as a playmaker makes him a striker capable of bringing others into play as well.
His quick feet, flamboyance and speed is what you’d expect from a 23-year-old Brazilian forward, but it’s his technique and understanding of the game that sets him apart from others. In total, the Maceio-born youngster scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions last season for Hoffenheim, contributing to a goal every 145 minutes.
In just seven appearances for The Canaries, Firmino already has 3 goals and 1 assist to his name, contributing to a goal once every 75.5 minutes. And while Diego Tardelli is his main rival for a spot in the starting eleven, one would think his link-up play and creativity would even help get the most out of Neymar.
Firmino had interested Manchester United but has now agreed a deal with arch-rivals Liverpool and is expeted to make the move to Anfield after his Copa America exploits. With Daniel Sturridge injured for large parts of last season, Liverpool lacked firepower in front of goal and are crying out for a striker as vibrant and innovative as Firmino.
Got more game than @Roberto_Firmino? #X15 #BeTheDifference #Chile2015 https://t.co/qpAMlr9XD2
— adidasfootball (@adidasfootball) June 14, 2015
In Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert, Liverpool’s back-up strikers appeared laboured last season but Firmino’s recruitment could inject fresh impetus into their frontline.
The recently signed Danny Ings, while promising, is still young, which leaves Sturridge as Liverpool’s only consistent goal-scorer. The latter’s inability to remain fit for long parts of the past two season meant that Rodgers was always on the lookout for a ‘world-class’ forward this summer.
Apart from his ability on the ball and eye for a pass, Firmino’s work rate and relentless closing down will serve him well at Anfield and likely draw comparisons to a fellow enigmatic South American striker; Luis Suarez. His tactical discipline would also only serve to endear him to the Liverpool manager further.
With Anfield calling and his international career ready to bloom, Firmino is a star in the making. He appears to be on the cusp of football’s highest level, his career on the proverbial launch pad and his future primed for greatness.
Whether or not he will be the striker to lead Liverpool back into the Champions League depends on a deal being struck, but he does have an opportunity to become the front man Brazil deserve. If given the chance to shine, Firmino may just put a lasting smile on the face of Clovis Acosta Fernandes, Brazil’s now iconic fan who is seen these days at the Copa America in Chile, still brandishing that famous replica trophy.
