Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino has been likened to Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Jason McAteer says Firmino's role with Liverpool is similar to that of Messi at Barcelona, with the rest of the attack built around him.

McAteer told the Racing Post: "They have had some great number nines and Roberto Firmino makes this side tick.

"Brendan Rodgers couldn't work out where to play him when he was first at the club, trying him out on the left.

"Then Klopp came along with his 4-3-3 system featuring a hard-working midfield and explosive front three.

"They needed a magician in that attack who pulls everything together and it is similar to how Lionel Messi has played in a Barcelona team set up around him.

"Firmino is Liverpool's Messi. When he's not in the team you can see how detrimental his absence is."