Gary Neville was a huge fan of Roberto Firmino during his time at Liverpool, insisting that Arsenal needs a striker upgrade to hit the next level under Mikel Arteta
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher clashed on Sunday
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher clashed on Sunday(Image: Sky Sports)
Gary Neville has refuted the suggestion that Kai Havertz can perform a similar role for Arsenal as Roberto Firmino did for Liverpool in his prime.
Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of Arsenal hosting Chelsea in the Premier League, Neville and Jamie Carragher were among the panel discussing the Gunners' attacking options.
Mikel Arteta tried to add some stardust to his side with a move for Vinicius Jr. in the summer, but the Brazilian forward opted instead to sign a new deal with Real Madrid and reject the chance to move to the Emirates Stadium. Bruno Guimaraes, his international teammate, was the star signing for the champions.
But Neville believes that an upgrade might be required at number nine for Arsenal to reach the next level, having so far fallen short in the Champions League. "Havertz is a good player, but he is not going to frighten the life out of you," Neville said.
Carragher then referenced the role Firmino played at Liverpool in supporting talisman Mohamed Salah — suggesting Havertz could do something similar at Arsenal — to which Neville replied: "Please don't disrespect Firmino in terms of what a player he was.
"He was an unbelievable player in terms of how he was a foil for Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. He was essential. I don't think Havertz is as good as Firmino in any way, shape, or form."
Roberto Firmino is one of Liverpool's greatest modern-day players
Roberto Firmino is one of Liverpool's greatest modern-day players(Image: Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
Firmino won the Premier League and the Champions League with Liverpool and was a unique center forward under Jurgen Klopp, bringing Mane and Salah together perfectly as a trio.
With each of those famed three now having moved on, Liverpool has moved in a different direction, with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz operating as a front two under Andoni Iraola, and Cody Gakpo, Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz supporting from the flanks.
On Friday, Isak came to life alongside Gakpo as Liverpool won 2-0 at Ipswich. The hope is that he can score the bulk of the goals for the Reds this term.
"With Alex, if he's fit, if he's available, if he's in good shape, I think he will produce the numbers," Iraola said on Friday.
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"My demands with Alex will not be about the goals, probably. It will be about other things. I will demand other things so we can play well and if we play well, we are in good positions, the goals will come.
"I think he has to contribute to the collective and when everyone helps, I think after the goals and the other stuff will come."
Liverpool.com says: Havertz is a good player but not at the very elite level. Having lost both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli this summer, Arsenal looks slightly weaker in attack, but may still have enough to retain the title.