Roberto Firmino has endured a tough start to the season as his performances continue to be the subject of scrutiny.
The striker infamously went the whole of last season without scoring at Anfield before finding the back of the net in Liverpool 's final home game as they recorded a 5-3 win over Chelsea, while he has only scored four times in 2020 and just twice since January for Jurgen Klopp 's men.
Yet to get off the mark so far this campaign, the 29-year-old was one of the players who was subjected to the most criticism following the Reds' 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.
However, the forward could have just handed Liverpool a big boost after seemingly returning to form for Brazil after reporting for international duty.
With coach Tite not deterred by his mis-firing performances, Firmino scored a brace as he started upfront for the Selecao as they opened their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 5-0 victory at home to Bolivia.
Having seen Marquinhos open the scoring, the Reds star was on hand to convert Renan Lodi's low cross at the far post after being gifted a tap-in for his first goal of the game.
And his second goal shortly after the interval was Firmino at his best, dropping deep into midfield to retain possession for Brazil before racing half the length of the pitch to provide a first-time finish to Neymar's low cross.
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A Jose Carrasco own goal extended Brazil's lead before former Reds man Phillippe Coutinho wrapped up the scoring.
With the game already won, Firmino was replaced in the 71st minute as Everton man Richarlison came on in his place, while Liverpool team-mate Fabinho was an unused substitute.
Brazil are next in action away at Peru on Wednesday morning and Reds boss Klopp will be hopeful Firmino can build on his impressive showing against Bolivia and return to Melwood injury-free ahead of next weekend's Merseyside derby clash with Everton.
