Roberto Firmino's decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season left Jurgen Klopp surprised, though he respects his choice.

The Brazilian informed the club last week that he would be leaving when his contract expires at the conclusion of the campaign, bringing an end to his trophy-laden seven-year spell at Anfield.

Firmino was given a rapturous reception after scoring the seventh goal in Liverpool's 7-0 demolition of Manchester United on Sunday, days after his decision to leave was revealed.

A Champions League and Premier League winner on Merseyside, Firmino has been a fan favourite throughout his time with the club and Klopp was taken aback by his choice.

Asked if he was surprised by the news, Klopp replied: "Yes, a little bit, but I was not hit by surprise, actually it's a normal thing to do.

"It could go two ways and it was one. And I respect that a lot. It's completely normal in this kind of long relationship that we have and Bobby has with the club and with most of the players and stuff like this, and with the fans of course.

"It's pretty special and I loved the reception he got when he came on against United. He told me and then the only other thing he said is, 'Now I want to bring this wonderful story to a positive end.'

"So, that's it. He is completely here and completely committed, how everybody can imagine. And that's all we need to know.

"There's no time for a goodbye or whatever in this moment, there's enough time for that later in the season. Whenever he will come back, everybody knows that the song will still be for a long, long time in everybody's ears I'm pretty sure.

"I think he's one of these players that even when he would come with an opposition team, people would be really happy to see him."

Roberto Firmino is a Liverpool legend in the eyes of Virgil van Dijk and the perfect teacher for Cody Gakpo.

Firmino has informed the Reds he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, bringing an end to eight trophy-laden years at Anfield.

The Brazil forward came off the bench to score Liverpool's final goal in the 7-0 drubbing of Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, his eighth in 18 appearances in the league this season.

Following a week in which Firmino's future took centre-stage, Van Dijk hailed the impact he has had on the team's success.

"You can't deny how important he's been for the success that we've had," Van Dijk told reporters.

"But as a human being as well, he's a great guy and I wish him obviously all the best after the summer.

"For now, we still have targets to reach, and he knows that, and he wants to make sure that we fulfil them as well.

"He's been so influential, and he should definitely be remembered as one of the legends."

RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has five goals and 13 assists in 31 appearances this term.

The 22-year-old's talent has not gone unnoticed, and he is sure to have plenty of potential suitors.

Szoboszlai is contracted with Leipzig 2026, but the latest reports suggest a move is coming sooner rather than later.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA SET TO AGREE SZOBOSZLAI DEAL

Chelsea are on the verge of securing the signing of Leipzig midfielder Szoboszlai, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.

The Blues have been linked with the Hungary international for the past 12 months, but the report claims they are close to securing a deal.

Negotiations have become advanced, with the two parties "very close", and an agreement is likely to be reached in the next few days.

ROUND-UP

– Marcel Sabitzer is likely to make his loan move to Manchester United permanent, claims Sky Sport's Florian Plettenberg. Bayern Munich have already identified a replacement in the form of Konrad Laimer.

– Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol  could "soon" head to the Premier League, according to Calciomercato, offering a boost for English trio Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham.

– Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has identified Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli as his main transfer target, reports Fichajes.

– Italian trio  Milan, Inter and Juventus are all monitoring  Roberto Firmino's situation at Liverpool following reports he will exit the club at the end of this season when his contract expires, claims Football Italia.

– Sport claims Newcastle United are plotting a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha . The former Leeds United man has not made a huge impact since his move to Camp Nou.

– Wilfried Zaha will exit Crystal Palace as a free agent at the end of this season, with Arsenal and Chelsea among those leading the pursuit to sign him, reports talkSPORT.

Jamie Carragher believes it will be "best for all parties" for Roberto Firmino to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

Sky Germany on Friday reported that long-serving Brazil striker Firmino has decided to depart when his contract expires on June 30.

The 31-year-old is a hugely popular figure at Anfield, having scored 107 goals and provided 70 assists in 353 appearances for the Reds following his move from Hoffenheim in 2015.

Firmino has helped Liverpool make significant additions to their trophy cabinet during his time on Merseyside, lifting the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

Combining with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in such a formidable attacking trio, Firmino's ability to create and score goals enabled Jurgen Klopp's side to become a huge force.

He has endured struggles with injuries last season and in the current campaign, though, and former Liverpool defender Carragher thinks the time has come for the next chapter of his career.

"If the reports about Firmino leaving at the end of the season are true, I do think it's best for all parties," Carragher tweeted.

"He's a Liverpool great and will be remembered for being part of one of the best front three’s we've seen."

Real Madrid are eager to bolster their forward options, with a quality striker wanted to deputise for Karim Benzema.

Benzema, who is now 35-years-old, has battled injuries this season and played in 12 of their 20 LaLiga games.

Los Blancos have been regularly linked with Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe, while there have been reports of a big-money bid for Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani in recent days.

Instead of signing another French forward though, there is a report that Madrid are eyeing up a Brazilian.

TOP STORY – ANCELOTTI WANTS FIRMINO

Real Madrid want to sign Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino on a free transfer at the end of this season, claims Gazzetta dello Sport.

Liverpool are bullish on re-signing Firmino but no extension has yet been agreed, with his contract due to expire in June.

According to the report, Atletico Madrid and Inter are also interested in the 31-year-old, who has been battling a calf injury in recent months.

ROUND-UP

- Barcelona president Joan Laporta is determined to sign Julian Alvarez from Manchester City, reports Fichajes. The report claims "Laporta will do everything in his power" to land the Argentinean World Cup winner.

- Manchester City are monitoring Southampton full-back Tino Livramento, claims the Evening Standard. The English 20-year-old is viewed as a long-term successor to Joao Cancelo, who is currently on loan at Bayern Munich.

- Tuttomercatoweb reports that Bayer Leverkusen will compete with Juventus to sign Alex Grimaldo from Benfica. The Bianconeri want the left-back as a replacement for the departing Alex Sandro.

- Chelsea have joined the contenders to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, writes Football.London. Raya's contract expires in 2024, with interest also from Tottenham and Manchester United too.

- West Ham United are circling for Brazil international striker Pedro, who plays for Flamengo, according to Fichajes.

- Former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch is being considered for the vacant Southampton job following Nathan Jones' dismissal, claims The Athletic. Football Insider reports Southampton and Leeds both want Marcelo Gallardo, while the Mail adds that Saints are also interested in Torino boss Ivan Juric.

Manchester City might be searching for a new left-back following Joao Cancelo's departure to Bayern Munich.

Cancelo, a star of City's last few seasons, joined Bayern on loan earlier this week having fallen out of favour with Pep Guardiola.

Bayern have the option to make that move permanent at the end of the season, meaning City could well be in the market for a replacement.

TOP STORY – Chilwell to join City from Chelsea?

The Times is reporting that City could target Ben Chilwell, the Chelsea full-back, to replace Cancelo.

England international Chilwell has had an injury-disrupted season and missed the World Cup due to a hamstring issue.

However, he would fit the mould when it comes to the attacking full-backs that Guardiola employs.

If City have a big windfall to play with from a potential Cancelo sale, could a fresh start in the north west be on the cards for Chilwell?

ROUND-UP

– The Mail and The Athletic are reporting that Everton are looking to make amends for their fruitless January transfer window by signing free agent Andre Ayew to address their striker concerns. Nottingham Forest are also said to be in talks with the attacker, who last played for Al Sadd in Qatar.

– According to The Times, Everton could also target former Real Madrid midfielder Isco after his move to Union Berlin fell through.

– Sky Germany reports Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is close to signing an extension at Anfield, with his current deal expiring at the end of this campaign.

– Paris Saint-Germain are said to be "furious" with Chelsea after Hakim Ziyech's loan move to the Parc des Princes fell through.

– Barcelona coach Xavi insisted that they wish to build around Raphinha in the future, after the Brazil winger was linked with a move away from Camp Nou.

– Phil Hay of The Athletic detailed how Leeds United's Jack Harrison had a medical at Leicester City before a switch to the King Power Stadium broke down on deadline day.

Manchester United continue to be the centre of plenty of January transfer window speculation.

Erik ten Hag's side are likely to be active in the transfer market following Cristiano Ronaldo's exit.

United are in the mix for a top-four finish but want to bolster their squad in January to boost their chances.

TOP STORY – MAN UTD TO OFFER €4M FOR WANTAWAY ATLETICO STAR

Manchester United are some way from making an agreement with Atletico Madrid on a loan deal for Joao Felix, with the Red Devils prepared to offer only €4million (£3.5m), reports Relevo.

According to the report, Atleti want €12-13m (£10.6m-£11.4m) for the 23-year-old Portuguese striker.

There has been no shortage of clubs linked with Felix, including Arsenal, but United are firmly in the mix for a cut-price forward option.

ROUND-UP

– Chelsea are willing to beat any offer Arsenal make for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to the Independent. The Mail claims the Ukrainian club will turn down Arsenal's latest £62m offer.

–  Borussia Dortmund are monitoring the availability of Real Madrid's 18-year-old Nico Paz, claims Defensa Central. Real Valladolid and Getafe are also keen on taking him on loan.

– Sky Germany reports Liverpool's Roberto Firmino is drawing interest from Saudi Arabian clubs but the Brazilian is leaning towards extending his Anfield stay.

– Sport claims Barcelona will sign Inigo Martinez from Athletic Bilbao when his contract expires in mid-year.

– Barcelona are willing to let 20-year-old midfielder Ansu Fati go out on loan during the January transfer window to make space for new signings, reports Fichajes.

– Fabrizio Romano reports that Ajax have reached full agreement with Villarreal on a deal for Argentinian goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, who will travel to Amsterdam to sign and undergo medical tests in the next 24 hours.

– Manchester United have missed out on signing Borussia Monchengladbach's Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer who has reached a verbal agreement to join Bayern Munich, according to Sky Germany.

Roberto Firmino was "frustrated" at missing out on Brazil's World Cup squad, but intends to use it as motivation.

The Liverpool forward was a surprise omission by head coach Tite for the tournament in Qatar, where Brazil were knocked out in the quarter-finals on penalties by Croatia.

Firmino had made a good start to the season at club level, scoring nine goals and recording four assists in 21 appearances (16 starts).

The 31-year-old put it down to being part of "God's plan", and hopes it can spur him on to improve further still.

"Of course it was frustrating not being called up to the World Cup but as I've said before, that's part of God's plan and I am following God's plan," he said to talkSPORT.

"It really does motivate me more and more not having gone to the World Cup, so I will work hard to get back into the Selecao."

Despite having time to rest during the World Cup, Firmino was unable to play in either of Liverpool's first two games back against Manchester City and Aston Villa due to illness, and is unlikely to feature in Friday's home clash with Leicester City either.

However, the player suggested he should be fine beyond that and is soon to be back in training, adding further to manager Jurgen Klopp's attacking options.

"I'm already healed, thank God. I'll probably train tomorrow [Thursday]," Firmino added. "Then all being well I'll be ready, not for the next game [Leicester] but the one after that [away to Brentford on January 2]. So all great."

Liverpool had a shaky start to the season prior to the World Cup, winning just six of their 14 Premier League games (D4, L4), but won 3-1 at Aston Villa in their first league game post-World Cup on Monday.

The club also confirmed the signing of Dutch forward Cody Gakpo from PSV on Wednesday, which will go through on January 1 pending a work permit, and Firmino is confident the Reds can push on and put their previous woes behind them.

"Individually speaking, I started [the season] very well," he said. "Of course we, as a team, did not start the season well, but we are coming back. 

"Thanks to the work we are doing, and our mentality of never giving up, we're now back and in form."

The arrival of Cody Gakpo will mark "the end" for Roberto Firmino at Liverpool, according to former Reds defender Jose Enrique.

Brazilian forward Firmino has spent the last seven and a half seasons with the Merseyside giants, winning the Premier League and Champions League among a host of honours.

His contract is due to expire at the end of this season, however, and Enrique believes the impending signing of Gakpo from PSV is a signal that time is almost up at Anfield for Firmino.

PSV announced on Monday evening a deal is in place to take Netherlands international Gakpo to Liverpool, in what they said will be a record sale for the Dutch club.

Their previous record sale saw Hirving Lozano join Napoli for a reported €45million, and the size of Liverpool's investment indicates they are buying Gakpo for a starting spot.

With Mohamed Salah signing up to a new deal in the close season, and the likes of Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez also looking to play regularly, when fit, Firmino may be squeezed out.

Klopp has been a big advocate of Firmino's qualities, so the situation may not be as clear-cut as Enrique makes it, but the Spaniard sees Firmino having no future with his current club.

Writing on Instagram, Enrique claimed: "I believe this means is the end of firmino with us. It happens when we sign Luis Diaz with mane. I believe is going to be the same this time with gakpo and firmino. Do you agree?"

Liverpool elected to sell Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich in June, as Enrique pointed out, after bringing in Diaz at the start of the year and then striking a deal to acquire Nunez from Benfica.

There is a natural evolution happening within the Liverpool forward ranks, with the long-established front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino having already fragmented.

Enrique, 36, had a five-year stay at Liverpool that ended with his release at the end of the 2015-16 season. He has since retired and works in the media.

Although Liverpool did not immediately comment on Monday's news coming out of PSV, Reds goalkeeping coach John Achterberg wrote beneath a recent Instagram post from Gakpo: "Welcome to the club Cody."

Gakpo will want to play consistently, with the 23-year-old having also been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid.

He has earned his big move after shining for Ruud van Nistelrooy's side.

He has scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie games this season, the third-highest tally of goal contributions (21) after 14 games in the league since the 1999-00 season – only Van Nistelrooy (27 in 1999-00) and former Liverpool man Luis Suarez (25 in 2009-10) have bettered that tally.

Gakpo also impressed for the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar, where he scored three goals.

Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool "never doubted" the quality of Darwin Nunez following the striker's recent upturn in fortunes.

Nunez endured a frustrating start to life at Anfield following his big-money move from Benfica, receiving a straight card against Crystal Palace in just his third appearance under Jurgen Klopp.

However, the Uruguay international is starting to hit his stride in English football; his two goals in Saturday's 3-1 win over Southampton taking his tally for the season to nine.

"We never doubted his quality but obviously, when you have a price tag like that and the goals are not flowing like you want, it's good [he has shown character] and I think he's done very well," Van Dijk said.

"He has all the qualities for a modern-day striker. There is a reason why we bought him, and he's maturing, he's stayed patient, kept his head down and played and that's a credit to him. Hopefully, he can keep scoring and stay important for the group.

"Obviously, he learns how we want to play, he learns what we expect from him, he plays a little bit on the left, but also has a free role coming into the middle.

"It takes time. It is a new team, new environment, new country, new language, so it is absolutely normal for him to take a little bit more time [to settle in], but there is no doubt the qualities are there, and the goals will follow."

Van Dijk also heaped praise on goalkeeper Alisson, who made a string of impressive saves to keep Southampton at bay during the victory at Anfield.

The Netherlands skipper additionally highlighted Roberto Firmino's character, with the forward opening the scoring against the Saints after being left out of Brazil's World Cup squad.

"[Alisson is] important for the group on and off the pitch," Van Dijk added. "We don't want him to have to make saves, first and foremost. He had to do so [against Southampton] and he was outstanding.

"Brazil are a very good team, they have two of their best goalkeepers in their squad and in my opinion, the best goalie in the world is Alisson.

"I think Bobby [Firmino] should be in, but who am I to say that? He took it on the chin, all you can do is recover and be ready for the rest of the season and I think he will do that."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp labelled the decision to leave Roberto Firmino out of the Brazil World Cup as "madness" before netting in Saturday's 3-1 win over Southampton.

Firmino missed the cut for Tite's 26-man Brazilian squad in midweek despite being in their squad for friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia in September.

The Brazilian put aside that disappointment to open the scoring against the Saints with a crafty header - his 18th headed goal in the Premier League.

But Klopp revealed prior to the game that the decision had impacted Firmino and taken the German by surprise too.

"A blow, definitely," Klopp said. "You couldn't see it in training, but definitely.

"It was [a blow] for me to be honest. I'm happy we have Bobby, but he deserves it. I think he deserves everything, to be honest.

"It just shows how incredibly good and talented this Brazilian squad is if you can leave a player like Bobby Firmino out. Madness.

"Of course, we will talk; we did already, and will maybe do again. He's fine but, as everyone can imagine, very disappointed."

Firmino has netted nine goals and provided four assists for the Reds this season including seven strikes in the Premier League.

Klopp also confirmed the club and 31-year-old Firmino are in talks to discuss a new deal, with the Brazilian's current contract expiring in June 2023.

"Normal conversations are happening as well so we will see what happens there," Klopp said.

Dani Alves will become Brazil's oldest World Cup star after earning a recall for Qatar 2022, while Roberto Firmino has missed out on Tite's final squad, with Gabriel Martinelli preferred.

Alves is now 39 and made his international debut in 2006, but he is heading to his third World Cup this year.

The former Barcelona right-back will make Selecao history, with Djalma Santos – 37 at the 1966 World Cup – previously their oldest player at a finals.

Alves is not necessarily a hugely popular choice, but Tite responded to the veteran's critics.

"I didn't come here to please people on Twitter, which I don't even know what percentage of the Brazilian people represents," the coach said.

"I respect differing opinions and I'm not here to convince everyone. I just want to give information so that people democratically form their own opinion.

"Now, everyone has their opinion and everyone has my respect."

Alves' inclusion was the standout news from Tite's squad announcement on Monday, although the coach also had a big call to make in attack.

Arsenal pair Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus each made the cut, but Liverpool's Firmino did not due to the wealth of alternative options at Tite's disposal.

Firmino does not return after being named in the Brazil squad at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, although nine members of that group are included again.

Alisson and Ederson remain among the goalkeepers, while defenders Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Danilo all return.

Manchester United pair Fred and Casemiro are unsurprising choices in midfield, as Neymar again joins Jesus up front amid a sensational season with Paris Saint-Germain.

Brazil World Cup squad in full:

Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras); Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Bremer (Juventus), Dani Alves (UNAM), Danilo (Juventus), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Chelsea); Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham); Antony (Manchester United), Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).

Jurgen Klopp said Liverpool's defeat at Nottingham Forest was inexplicable as he condemned the finishing by his players at the City Ground.

After back-to-back 1-0 wins over Manchester City and West Ham in the Premier League, Liverpool went down by the same scoreline on Saturday, with former Anfield reserve Taiwo Awoniyi getting the only goal.

Klopp pointed the finger of blame at Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk for spurning great chances, as the Merseyside club lost to a team who began the day at the foot of the table.

A third league loss in their opening 11 games was a jolt for a Liverpool team who had been looking to close an early-season gap to the top four.

"The performance I can kind of explain, the result not," Klopp told BT Sport. "I never saw a game where one team has four or five no-brainers from a set-piece, where we have to finish it off.

"The way they defend, we were perfectly prepared for that. We had always a free player: Bobby in the first half, Virgil two or three times – they have to put the game to bed."

Forest's goal also came from a free-kick, with Awoniyi firing in from close range after Liverpool gave away the set-piece near the halfway line, described as "a big mistake" from his players by Klopp.

"Apart from that, all the chances they had we gave them, because we kept playing the wrong passes in the centre," Klopp said.

"Result-wise, we should have showed consistency today. Result-wise, we could have had it by finishing the situations off."

Regarding Forest, Klopp was frugal in his appreciation, saying: "Giving a team six clear-cut chances after a set-piece, I am not sure where I should put the praise on.

"They're a great team and Steve [Cooper] is a fantastic manager, but for us we had to win here. We didn't, so credit to him and Nottingham.

"In the situations, it was us against the goalie or us against ourselves, and not us against Nottingham Forest, because nobody defended Bobby in these moments and nobody defended Virgil in these moments.

"They were just free, but we didn't use it, so if we used all of them you would be asking a different question."

Match-winner Awonyi revelled in giving Forest a second league win of the campaign.

He said: "I think it's a good game for my team. We had a plan to play compact and at the end to find a way to get a goal. At the end we won and I'm very happy about it.

"I'm honoured to get a game against Liverpool because they brought me to football. They signed me when I was 18. It was an emotional game for me. As a team we stick together as our own family, and we have to thank the fans. We just have to keep on going."

Man of the match Ryan Yates, a key figure in Forest's midfield, said: "It's what we needed. We've been putting in good performances in recent weeks and not been getting the results we wanted, but we thoroughly deserved that today.

"It's got to be [a turning point]. We've got to build on this. If we can beat Liverpool, we can beat anyone."

Roberto Firmino was not supposed to be Liverpool's go-to man this season. If widespread reports were anything to go by, Firmino himself did not even envisage himself being at Anfield this campaign.

And yet here we are, midway through October, and no Liverpool player – not even the £350,000-a-week Mohamed Salah, despite his record-breaking six-minute hat-trick against Rangers – has played a part in more goals in all competitions this season than Firmino's eight.

Far from being the odd man out following the arrivals of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez this year, Firmino has regularly stepped up for the Reds this season and is surely in contention to start Sunday's Premier League showdown against Manchester City.

Liverpool quite simply have to win at Anfield, where Firmino will come face-to-face with Europe's hottest striker in Erling Haaland, a player boasting 20 goals – six more than anyone else in Europe's top-five leagues – from his 13 appearances for City and feeling refreshed after a midweek rest. 

Ahead of the meeting between the Premier League's two most dominant forces over the past four seasons, Stats Perform looks at Firmino's figures in more detail and just why he may hold the key to Liverpool getting the better of the champions.

KLOPP'S FAITH PAYS OFF

Amid all the noise surrounding Firmino's future heading into the 2022-23 campaign, with Juventus said to be in advanced talks to sign him, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp branded the forward "the heart and soul" of the team.

No wonder the German thinks so highly of the 31-year-old, with no Liverpool player playing more games (332), featuring for more minutes (23,899) or registering more assists (70) during Klopp's seven years in charge.

The arrivals of Diaz and Nunez, plus the impressive form of Diogo Jota, looked as though it would curtail Firmino's playing time, but he started three of Liverpool's opening four matches of the campaign, including the Community Shield win over City.

Firmino failed to register a single goal or assist in any of those matches, yet he retained the faith of Klopp – albeit helped by Jota being injured and Nunez suspended – and truly kick-started his campaign in the 9-0 thrashing of Bournemouth at the end of August.

In that game, a joint-record winning margin for a side in Premier League history, Firmino became the first Liverpool player to be directly involved in four goals in the first half of a match in the competition en route to scoring two and assisting three. If a reminder was needed of Firmino's qualities, this was very much it.

An important equaliser followed in Liverpool's next match, a late 2-1 win over Newcastle United; two goals to drag Liverpool back from two goals down in a 3-3 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion; another equaliser, this time in defeat to Arsenal; and then another two-goal and an assist showing in the 7-1 midweek Champions League rout of Rangers.

Those 12 goals and assists in all competitions is level with Salah's tally for the season, and double that of next-best Diaz, who has started three games more than the Brazil international. Per minute, no Liverpool player is performing better this season in an attacking sense.

FIRMINO THE FOCAL POINT

Perhaps most remarkable of all as focus turns to Liverpool's meeting with City, Firmino is only one goal short of Haaland's tally for October (five goals compared to six). Across clubs from Europe's top-five leagues, when taking all competitions into account, Monaco's Wissam Ben Yedder is the only other player with five or more goals this month.

Firmino's five goals have come from an expected goals (xG) value of 1.43, incidentally, compared to six from an xG of 3.03 for Haaland – a difference of 3.57 and 2.97 respectively, suggesting the quality of Firmino's chances have been lower than those teed up for Haaland.

That is not to say Firmino is in the same league as Haaland right now – who is? – but on a personal level this is by some way his best start to a campaign for Liverpool. His eight goals after 11 games is at least two more than he has managed in his previous seven seasons at Anfield, while only in 2019-20 has he had more assists than his four this term.

But exactly why is that? Playing against a Bournemouth side unable to defend any balls into the box has admittedly skewed the figures somewhat, though it is clear to see that Firmino's game has also changed this season compared to last.

Just under 11 per cent of his touches of the ball in the Premier League this season have come within the width of the goal inside the penalty area, which is an increase on a figure of six per cent last time out. It was further back last season, and more towards the right, that he more occasionally touched the ball.

Indeed, all eight of his goals this season have come from that central zone inside the box – one via his head, three with his left foot and four with his right. 

Another interesting aspect of Firmino's game this season has been his movement, or more specifically his off-the-ball runs into the penalty area. He has made 89 of them in the Premier League in his 468 minutes on the field, which is the most per 90 minutes (17.1) of any player, followed by Haaland (14.1).

That may well be a tactic Liverpool will aim to take full advantage of against City, a side in which Firmino has scored or assisted against seven times in 14 top-flight appearances – only versus Arsenal (13 combined) does he have a better record against among top-five clubs.

So while plenty of the build-up to Sunday's showdown will – justifiably – be centred around Haaland and his remarkable scoring run, Liverpool will have born-again Bobby to call upon in a game they simply must win if they are to keep alive any hopes of challenging for the title.

Jurgen Klopp hailed a "special" performance from record-breaking Mohamed Salah as Liverpool roared to a sensational 7-1 Champions League win over Rangers on Wednesday.

Salah came off the substitutes' bench to fire home a hat-trick in just six minutes and 12 seconds – the fastest ever in Champions League history.

A Roberto Firmino brace and a fine strike from Darwin Nunez had earlier overturned Scott Arfield's opener for Rangers, while Harvey Elliott added a seventh after Salah's quick-fire treble.

The win means Liverpool need just a point from their final two Group A games against Ajax and Napoli to qualify for the knockout stages, and Klopp was delighted with his side's display.

"We had a really positive half-time talk. We wanted more in the second half. Clearly, it worked out," he told BT Sport.

"It was special, particularly Mo. It was very important how we adapted to the positions, to the line-up. Everyone who started tonight played really well. Fabio [Carvalho] and Harvey, really good.

"It's the best we could have asked for. I'm really pleased.

"I really think the first half prepared the second half. When we are on it, we can be a really good football team. We built on the good things from the first half, we kept them moving and obviously they had to change the centre-half.

"The goals we scored were exceptional. It's a night where things worked out for us. It changes the mood definitely, and that's good.

"We all know who is coming on Sunday [Manchester City]. That will be different, but it's better to go in with the feeling from tonight."

Rangers, meanwhile, were left to a rue a fourth consecutive defeat in this season's competition.

They sit rock bottom of Group A, three points adrift of Ajax, with boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst left to lament his side's inability to stem the Liverpool tide in the second half. 

"It was a very disappointing result. We played well first half and were in the game," he said.

"The second goal, we know their strength. When you lose the ball in the middle of the pitch they are so fast on transition. We got caught a couple of times.

"We conceded too many easy goals. It went pretty quickly after that. We tried to push, but after the 3-1 you could see we were struggling. They upped the tempo and we weren't accurate in our passing."