Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino still has a big part to play at Anfield and could agree a contract extension with the Reds.

That's according to talkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor, who was speaking to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Liverpool planning Firmino talks

Football Insider reported earlier this year that Liverpool were preparing to offer a new deal to the Brazil international, with The Mirror claiming in recent weeks that contract talks are planned with the 30-year-old.

While Jurgen Klopp's team lost one of their famed front three from the 2019/20 Premier League triumph earlier this summer as Sadio Mane joined Bayern Munich, they managed to keep hold of Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian agreeing a contract extension after widespread speculation over his future.

Firmino is now into the final 12 months of his deal at Anfield, but despite his age and injury issues over the past year, he has been backed to commit his future to the Reds.

The Latest: Firmino backed to sign new contract

Agbonlahor believes that Liverpool's heavy schedule during 2022/23 will see the Brazilian being given plenty of opportunities to feature, having made just 10 Premier League starts last term. In turn, the former Aston Villa striker is confident that Firmino will sign a new deal with the Merseysiders.

The 35-year-old told Football Insider: "I do like Firmino. He doesn’t score as many goals as he should do because he’s a very good finisher and a very good player. He was unlucky last season.

"Losing Origi, Minamino, Liverpool have to have options and they have to keep Firmino. Nunez isn’t going to play every game, Firmino is going to be second choice in that position but he’s someone you need around the squad.

"There are so many games to play, there are so many competitions and Liverpool take them seriously. There’s a lot of football to be played. His contract could be [looked at]. Maybe a short extension, a year extension, I could imagine."

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The Verdict: He's still needed

Agbonlahor makes a very valid point regarding the possibility of plentiful rotation by Klopp next season given Liverpool's workload, and also the reduced depth in attack following the departures of Mane, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino.

Firmino's goal output at Anfield may have steadily declined since his 27-goal haul in 2017/18, but his contribution to the Reds in terms of his work rate and general play has come in for massive praise.

Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp dubbed him a "perfect team player" with "touches like velvet", while Jamie Carragher said that the Brazilian has been "fantastic" during his seven years at Liverpool.

Although Firmino might be set to turn 31 in October and is already earning a cool £180,000 per week, FSG would be wise to try and agree terms with him, given how much he may still have to offer to the Reds.