Liverpool’s NEXT Roberto Firmino edges closer to first team move

Liverpool have an exciting academy prospect who is in the same mould as Roberto Firmino and nearing a first team call-up.

It's a real shame Arne Slot never really got to manage the Brazilian forward because he would have been perfect for his style of play.

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The Dutchman likes his no.9 to be both a goal-scorer and a facilitator, and that was quintessentially Firmino at his very best.

The former Reds cult favourite was everything that Slot loves. He scored goals, created opportunities for his teammates both with his on the ball work and his off the ball movement.

And at the same time, he covered a lot of ground and put in blood, sweat and tears to track back and thwart opposition attackers.

It's exactly that kind of no.9 Slot is searching for at the moment but he doesn't need to look too far away.

There is a modern day forward catching the eye at academy level who is exactly of the same mould as Firmino and who could flourish in Slot's system.

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And the way he is going, he deserves a first team call-up soon.

Why Josh Sonni-Lambie is nearing a first team chance.

Josh Sonni-Lambie is undoubtedly one of the most promising young players in the club's academy.

Speaking on the Anfield Watch YouTube channel, Liverpool academy expert, Lewis Bower likened Sonni-Lambie to Firmino.

"He's one who's shot up physically in the last year as well,' Bower said.

"Which is quite interesting to see how he will end up in terms of height and how he deals with contact as well.

"He's very much a modern striker. The Firmino type role, the cunner with a, with a dash of invention in him as well. He's a really smooth dribbler of the ball. He's good in tight spaces and he's definitely a player to watch for me."

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Picked up from Liverpool at the age of 14 after being spotted at grassroots level in London, Sonni-Lambie has that street football style that makes him eerily similar to Firmino in his first control and makes him such an ideal fit for what Slot looks for in his attack.

This season he averages 3.62 dribbles per 90 and completes 60% of his attempts while also averaging 4.46 defensive duels and making 1.46 interceptions.

At the weekend against Wolverhampton, he made his 10th goal contribution for Liverpool in the U18 Premier League. This makes him the second most productive player at academy level behind Joe Bradshaw this season.

Sonni-Lambie is in great form and at this kind of run it's only a matter of time until he gets the recognition he deserves at first team level.

Chelsea forward Shumaira Mheuka was given his debut this season after making 11 goal contributions at academy level and he is a good benchmark for what Sonni-Lambie should be aiming towards since he only has one less goal contributions for the Reds.

With little at stake for the rest of the season there will be more opportunities handed to the club's young stars and Sonni-Lambie should be aiming to be given his chance.

If not this season, he'll be involved in the first team in pre-season this summer considering Anfield Watch has exclusively revealed that the club is planning to overhaul the attack this summer with a number of expected departures.

Sonni-Lambie is certainly ready for an opportunity at a higher level. He's showcasing this season that he's too good for the U18 Premier League.

Liverpool like to promote young talent, especially ones who fit into the style of the first team and that is why Sonni-Lambie is one to keep a very close eye on.

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It will not be long until he's on Slot's radar.

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