Yep....Timo Werner had an amazing record in Germany FAR FAR superior to Firmino's... How did that work out for him?
Werner wasn't just "good" for the data ANAL'ists - he was a statistical juggernaut. In his final season at Leipzig (2019/20), he scored 28 goals in 34 league games.
How did it translate in the Premier League...? Yep - we all know.. but let's sweep that under the carpet.
So....Bobby Firmino who became one of the very best for a time here .... had slow start...and a grand total of 1 goal to his name by January 2016. 24 games ....1 goal.. Questionable.. Finished the season well though. Something changed... what could it have been
John Henry's Underpants?
Again - for those who would try and tell you day was night - this was penned on the 8th of March 2016...:
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37442670/roberto-firmino-dispelling-doubts-liverpool
Writing about football, particularly making early judgements on players, can be a precarious business.
As an ordinary fan, you can sit calmly, reflect upon the numerous previous talents that took a while to flourish and withhold criticism until such time as it becomes blatantly obvious that player isn't going to make it.
In the case of Liverpool's Roberto Firmino, the turnaround in his form has certainly left this writer swivelling on a hook of his own making.
Back in December 2015, the young Brazilian was utterly wretched against a dominant Watford side that had every right to view a 3-0 win over the Reds as insufficient reward for their overall performance given how poor Liverpool were.
Some low-light ratings for Bobby in the first half of his first season as that "questionable" goal scoring record of 1 in 24 games also showed...
West Ham (H) - Aug 29 Premier League 4/10
Off the pace, struggled with the physicality, and was subbed off as Liverpool lost 3–0.
Man Utd (A) - Sept 12 Premier League 5/10
Largely anonymous and failed to track back, leading to a 3–1 defeat.
Sion (H) - Oct 1 Europa League 5/10
Looked rusty and lacked his usual creative spark in a dull 1–1 draw.
Newcastle (A) - Dec 6 Premier League 4/10
Looked lethargic and offered zero goal threat as Liverpool lost 2–0.
Watford (A) - Dec 20 Premier League 3/10
Bullied by the Watford defence and offered no movement in a 3–0 loss.
Does this sound like the player that became the "best in the world"..?
Nope.... and we know why and how that transformation took place... regardless of what a shill would try to suggest.