Gary Neville Defends Roberto Firmino After Jamie Carragher Comparison Sparks Heated Sky Sports Debate
Gary Neville was quick to come to Roberto Firmino’s defence after Jamie Carragher compared the former Liverpool star’s role to Kai Havertz at Arsenal.
The debate erupted during Sky Sports’ Super Sunday as Neville and Carragher discussed whether Havertz has the qualities needed to lead the line for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Havertz has started the 2026/27 campaign as Arsenal’s preferred forward, with the German getting the nod ahead of new signing Viktor Gyokeres. He has already scored in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City and Arsenal’s 3-0 opening-weekend win against Coventry.
But while Arteta values his versatility and all-round contribution, Neville believes Arsenal may need a more intimidating presence up front.
Neville refuses to let Firmino comparison slide
Neville argued that Havertz does not strike enough fear into opposing defenders to force them away from other Arsenal attackers.
“I think having Havertz up front means the centre-backs can afford to edge over to his side a little bit more,” Neville said.
“He’s a good player, he’s a very good performer, but he’s not going to frighten the life out of you.”
Carragher immediately brought up Liverpool’s famous attacking trio.
“It didn’t stop Mo Salah with Firmino,” the former Liverpool defender responded.
That prompted an instant reaction from Neville.
“No, no, no. Please, don’t disrespect Firmino in terms of what a player he was by the way.”
Carragher clarified that he was talking about goalscoring, but Neville remained adamant that Firmino offered far more than his numbers suggested.
“He was unbelievable in the way in which he was a foil for Mane and Salah,” Neville insisted. “It was essential.”
Carragher then challenged him directly: “So why can’t Havertz be that kind of player?”
Neville’s verdict was emphatic.
“I don’t think Havertz is as good as Firmino in any way shape or form.”
Why Firmino was so important to Liverpool
Neville’s defence of Firmino is rooted in the Brazilian’s enormous contribution to Liverpool’s attack during his eight-year spell at Anfield.
Firmino scored 111 goals and provided 76 assists in 362 appearances for the club, while playing a crucial role alongside Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
Under Jurgen Klopp, he helped Liverpool win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Yet his importance could never be measured simply by his goals.
Playing as a No.9, Firmino regularly dropped into deeper positions, linked midfield with attack and dragged defenders out of position. His movement created the space that allowed Salah and Mane to attack from wider areas.
That tactical role is part of the reason Carragher sees a potential comparison with Havertz.
Havertz still has plenty to offer Arsenal
Havertz has already established himself as an important player for Arsenal, recording 38 goals and 18 assists in 114 appearances for the Gunners.
His goal tally, however, remains modest compared with some of the league’s elite forwards. He has reached double figures in a Premier League season only once, while last campaign brought seven goals and five assists across all competitions, with just two coming in the league.
His return from a knee injury makes his role in Arsenal’s title defence even more significant.
The Gunners were unable to land Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid after Vinicius Junior also turned down their interest, leaving Arteta without the marquee forward many expected to arrive before the transfer window closed.
For now, Havertz remains central to the manager’s plans.
But Neville’s blunt verdict has reignited an intriguing question around Arsenal’s attack: can Havertz eventually provide the same tactical influence that made Firmino indispensable to Liverpool’s greatest front three?
For Neville, the answer appears to be a decisive no.
