Roberto Firmino Talks Philippe Coutinho 'Magic,' Liverpool and More

Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has opened up on the affinity he shares with team-mate and compatriot Philippe Coutinho at Anfield.

The Brazilian duo have been central to a wonderful beginning to the season for the Reds, who have played some majestic attacking football in their first 10 games of the 2016-17 Premier League.

Speaking about their forward forays, Firmino hailed the “magic” manner in which Coutinho constructs attacks, per #LFCWORLD (h/t James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo):

"

We think the same way. 

We know what we’re going to do before possessing the ball. We always understand each other in the games and with our skill everything turned out well.

Philippe is a magician, who makes magic in each shot, who is always helping with scoring goals and his incredible moves. He is always doing his best on the field.

"

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Alongside Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana, Liverpool’s front four have put together some tremendous attacking patterns so far this season.

Mane adds a thrust that was lacking at times in 2015-16, while Lallana’s work rate is so vital in Klopp’s setup. However, it’s Coutinho and Firmino who really make this team tick. 

Coutinho has taken his game up another level this term. As we can see here courtesy of Karl Matchett, he is such an effective player in the final third:

In terms of his general play, there’s been big improvements made by the former Inter Milan man. Formerly there was an inconsistency to his game, but under Klopp, he’s found a high base level this term. Coutinho’s refined decision-making, linkup play and ruthlessness is seeing him approach world-class status.

Firmino himself has had a key role to play, too. He’s occupied a variety of different roles for Klopp, although the Reds continue to look at their best when he leads the line.

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While the Brazilian may not be a natural No. 9, his intelligent movement, technical skill and finishing ability gives Liverpool a wonderful focal point high up the pitch.

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe believes Firmino and Coutinho are both among the Premier League’s best players at this juncture:

With so much attacking class, questions have naturally been asked about what this Liverpool team can achieve this season; they currently trail league leaders Manchester City only by goal difference. Firmino insisted the team can’t get ahead of themselves.

“If we do not continue on this track until the end of the season, no one will remember us and we will not achieve anything,” he said. “We have to continue on this track until the end.”

Per the Match of the Day Twitter feed, under Klopp, the attacking spark needed to compete at the summit of the table has been there in abundance:

A team needs to be the complete package to stay the pace in the Premier League, and some will point to Liverpool’s defensive frailties as a major obstacle in their pursuit of glory. However, the combination of intensity and intelligence they operate with in the final third will be enough to push them close, provided it can be maintained.

The onus will be on Firmino and Coutinho to continue producing their recent standards on a consistent basis. At the moment, there’s a swagger and unashamed enjoyment in the way the duo are linking up. Regardless of whether their title tilt does stay on course, it’s a bond those tied to the Reds should cherish while it lasts.