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Fantasy Premier League Player of the Week: Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino

With two goals and an assist in the thrilling 5-4 victory over Norwich, the Brazilian has earned top billing for FPL managers this week.

After a slow start, Liverpool's big-money acquisition is finally paying off.
After a slow start, Liverpool's big-money acquisition is finally paying off.
Michael Regan/Getty Images

Roberto Firmino arrived to Liverpool as a relative unknown to most football fans who hadn't followed the Bundesliga in the five years leading up to his move to Merseyside, but he nevertheless came with a lofty set of expectations. Any big-money move to a traditional big club does, and for Firmino it wasn't the easiest start, especially with Brendan Rodgers constantly experimenting with out-of-position players and a rotating cast of starters.

I talked about the impact of Jurgen Klopp's arrival from a fantasy perspective back in October, and highlighted Firmino as a fantasy player to watch in November, so it's safe to say I've had my own high expectations for the 24 year-old.

Firmino began rewarding Liverpool fans in late November with a man-of-the-match showing against Manchester City. Since that performance, Klopp has made the Brazilian one of the first names on his team sheet, often deploying him somewhat controversially ahead of Christian Benteke as the lone striker, and Firmino has repaid his manager's faith in him with an excellent run of form.

An outstanding brace against Arsenal was followed by a near-miss in the 1-0 loss to Manchester United in Week 22, and Firmino bounced back with another two-goal performance this weekend against Norwich City, where he also added an assist in the enthralling 5-4 victory. Here's an every-touch compilation from the striker's performance:

Was the Liverpool man in your FPL team this weekend? If so, congratulations! If not, will you be picking him up moving forward?