Feeling popular? Roberto Firmino crowded out against Argentina

Feeling popular Bobby? Liverpool star Roberto Firmino received extra special attention from Argentina as Brazil took on their South American neighbors.

For some reason Firmino was left out the World Cup starting XI by manager Tite, although he’s since admitted that it was a mistake. And as such, the Reds star has enjoyed more minutes for his country.

And the opposition is clearly taking him seriously, as shown by the extra attention Firmino received from Argentinian defenders as three crowded him out while a fourth watched in the background.

Fabinho and Alisson Becker were also included in the squad to face their continental rivals at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Saudi Arabia, which Brazil won thanks to a last minute João Miranda goal.

It’s good to see fellow Reds being called up, and the two outfield players were filmed joking around before the game by Esporte Interativo. It was an interaction Fabinho definitely came off the worse in as Firmino did him like a kipper!

Premier League target Nicolas Tagliafico, a man who could certainly do a job for Liverpool, added to his collection of caps for Argentina and nearly kept a clean sheet.

As is usual, Becker played the full 90 while Fabinho came on as a substitute shortly into the second half. His Reds career has been a slow burn lately, and the former AS Monaco man has been guilty of some inconsistent performances.

Jurgen Klopp has experimented with a 4-2-3-1, and while it appears to get the best from Fabinho it seems to stifle Firmino – who has only scored twice in the league this season.

Liverpool take on Watford when they resume Premier League duties on the 25th, and it’ll be interesting to see if Klopp returns to his 4-3-3 or sticks to the modified 4-2-3-1.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah scored a last minute goal as Egypt beat Tunisia and proved again that he’s one of the nicest guys around.