Brazil boss Tite reveals World Cup plans for Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino

The unconventional striker has scored a career-best 22 goals this season in 38 appearances for the Reds, also contributing 12 assists.

He has played in all but one of the Merseyside outfit’s Premier League and Champions League games as an integral component of Jurgen Klopp’s side.

And Selecao boss Tite has suggested that he could find a way to work Firmino – who has five goals in 18 international appearances – into his starting line up this summer.

Five-time world champions Brazil go into the tournament in Russia as one of the favourites to go all the way due to their pedigree and recent form.

They have lost just one of 17 games under Tite while scoring 38 goals and conceding five, and Firmino could be included to make their front-line already boasting Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Philippe Coutinho and Willian even more dangerous.

“I can see Firmino playing with (Gabriel) Jesus,” hinted the 56-year-old boss.

“Firmino is originally a 10 who always played with a nine. He is a 10 who learned how to play a nine.

“Brazil has lacked alternatives in previous World Cups and it cost us big.

“That’s why I want to use (Philippe) Coutinho in midfield, Willian as winger, playing with Firmino and Jesus together.

“We must enter the competition with preparation for any situation.

“Coutinho as the orchestrator of midfield with Willian on the wing is a possibility.

“So is playing Jesus and Firmino on top.

“A front four of Coutinho and Neymar as playmakers behind the two strikers (Jesus and Firmino) could be our solution against opponents sitting deep.”

Tite also revealed that he has been studying Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and the manner in which the Premier League leaders breakdown opposition defences, so that Brazil can likewise overcome stubborn opposition in June.

They were paired with Costa Rica, Switzerland and Serbia at the World Cup in a favourable group stage draw.

But Tite knows the difficulty those teams could pose if they sit back in numbers and absorb Brazil’s pressure.

“Manchester City are the best at breaking a back-line of five, that’s why I watch their games,” he admitted.

“But they have the chance to face an opponent with a back-line of five every game.

“We only faced England so we didn’t have time to develop a solution.

“Russia next month will use five defenders. Switzerland will certainly use a back-line of five. 

“Serbia have done it before and I wouldn’t be surprised if they do it against us in the group stage. 

“In this situation, we need a tactical change.”