⁠The new Roberto Firmino is here and he’s about to save Liverpool

Liverpool's new Roberto Firmino is here and he's going to save Andoni Iraola and the Reds.

The Brazilian is arguably one of the most underappreciated club icons of the modern era. Firmino never seemed particularly interested in chasing the spotlight or demanding the acclaim of the Anfield crowd.

Instead, he was the perfect cog in Jurgen Klopp’s machine. Firmino kept everything ticking, doing the dirty work that allowed Sadio Mane and Mo Salah to flourish alongside him.

He was selfless, but that shouldn't disguise just how brilliant he could be. Firmino possessed incredible technique, intelligence and creativity, while his relentless work rate made him the perfect player to embody Klopp’s gegenpressing philosophy.

Without him, it is difficult to imagine Liverpool achieving everything they did during that golden era. That was Firmino’s importance: he made everyone around him better.

Why Liverpool need a new Firmino right now

Andoni Iraola could sure use a player of Firmino's ilk at the moment.

The problem Iraola has heading into the clash is that he is without his two top-scorers. Cody Gakpo is expected to miss several weeks due to injury. Meanwhile, Alexander Isak is not going to be available for this game either.

It means that with Hugo Ekitike's injury, Iraola now cannot call upon any of his striker options.

He has to therefore come up with a creative solution. He's still got a few exciting attackers who can play in central roles. But the problem is that he needs players like Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz on the wing.

So, instead, Iraola might call-upon the Reds' new Firmino.

Liverpool's new Firmino is Lewis Koumas and he will save Iraola

Ever since pre-season, the Welshman has emerged as a genuine option in the attacking line. Koumas scored against Sunderland in Iraola's first ever game, and he's been regularly making cameos in competitive matches as well.

Koumas made his Premier League and Champions League debut under Iraola, and it's clear he is a key part of the Spaniard's plans.

It's easy to see why, Koumas presses tirelessly. Like Firmino he works for the team, and he facilitates and makes everyone better around him.

Now, after a strong international break it's inevitable that Koumas is going to be involved. In fact on Sunday afternoon, Koumas, who has essentially become a new version of Firmino could be in line to start.

It will be his first start in the Premier League for the Reds. But he's shown he's ready, and he can save Iraola's Isak and Gakpo headache.