James Milner reckons Roberto Firmino has been Liverpool's unluckiest player of the season.
The Brazilian played a key role in Liverpool ending their 30-year wait to win the league title last season, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists in all competitions.
This campaign, however, has been markedly different for the former Hoffenheim man - who has struggled in front of goal.
The 29-year-old has two goals and two assists to his name so far this season - a decline that hasn't gone unnoticed.
Firmino bagged his second goal of the campaign last Sunday in the Reds' 3-0 victory over Leicester City at Anfield.
Milner was thrilled to see Firmino back on the scoresheet, saying: "He was the unluckiest man alive for the first 80 minutes of the game. He deserved his goal, he was brilliant tonight, so unlucky.
“I just said to him, I think I’d have been angrier than him (if he didn’t score). It was just one of those nights. I’m delighted he got it."
Milner's sentiment was echoed by former Manchester United defender turned pundit Patrice Evra.
The Frenchman told Sky Sports: "Even as a United fan, when I saw Firmino score, I was quite happy because he’s struggling a lot.
"It’s a great performance. I was really surprised (to be happy), I must be tired, it’s been a long day. I think I must’ve thought he was a United player (laughs).
“You can see, everyone wants the best for their team-mates. After that goal, everyone came to celebrate with him. After the game, you see the way Klopp hugs him. It’s a family football club.
"As an ex-United player, you have to give credit to Liverpool Football Club, they’re doing a great job. I wish them well.”
Liverpool will be back in action on Wednesday night, welcoming Atalanta to Anfield for their fourth Champions League Group D match.
