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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Wells

Alisson highlights key Roberto Firmino trait in defence of Liverpool teammate

Alisson has stressed the "importance" of teammate Roberto Firmino at Liverpool amid increasing pressure on the forward's position from Diogo Jota.

Firmino was dropped to the bench for Liverpool's Champions League clash against Atalanta on Tuesday, replaced by Jota, who banged in a scintillating hat-trick.

Jota already has seven goals to his name so far this season following his £36million switch from Wolves, compared to Firmino's one.

But Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp immediately dismissed suggestions Firmino's role was under threat, and Alisson has now weighed in on the debate.

"I don’t even need to talk about the importance of Firmino, for everything he has done for the club and everything he has been doing," Alisson told Esporte Interativo.

Roberto Firmino was dropped to the bench against Atalanta (Pool via REUTERS)

"He is a very supportive player, who works for the team. We need everyone on their toes to achieve our goals going forward."

Firmino has been at Liverpool longer than Klopp but has struggled to find form in recent weeks.

That said, there is a lesser reliance on the Brazilian to score goals, given his vital defensive and creative qualities.

No doubt he will have one eye over his shoulder though, in light of Jota's sublime performances of late.

The Portuguese star followed up winners in his previous three matches with a stunning treble as Liverpool romped to victory.

Alisson said of his new teammate: "He is a very hard-working, high quality and humble guy.

"He came to help us and has further proved that our team is not just one player.

"We have a very strong squad and group."

Klopp was adamant Jota's performance had not given him a potential selection problem ahead of Liverpool's crunch clash with title rivals Man City on Sunday, insisting Firmino will be involved regardless.

"Good performances never give me a headache," Klopp said after the match.

Who should Klopp start in attack on Sunday? Have your say below.

Jota scored a hat-trick on Tuesday to continue his rich vein of form (AFP via Getty Images)

"That was the decision tonight, it made sense to use the shape Diogo was in, and because of the way Atalanta plays and defends, it made sense that the skillset of Diogo helps.

"But the world is sometimes really in a bad place when the moment someone's shining, we speak immediately about another player who had played what feels like 500 games in a row.

"We would not even be in the Champions League if Bobby Firmino wasn't with us, and immediately I have to explain why he's not in the team. He will be in the team."

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