Tony Cascarino has claimed that the ‘unbelievable’ Roberto Firmino has been ‘way off’ it for Liverpool of late, as he told talkSPORT.
The former striker threw Virgil van Dijk’s name into the hat also and claimed that he has been ‘a lot poor’ than Joel Matip.
Liverpool recorded a goalless draw against Arsenal on Thursday in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final clash, despite the north London club going down to ten men in the first half.
The obvious of Liverpool being without their two star men, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, was thrown at them.
But Jurgen Klopp’s side just didn’t help themselves throughout the 90 minutes they were on the field of play.
Whilst Cascarino pointed out what Firmino used to do right for Liverpool, he feels that level of performance is no longer there.
“Firmino has been an unbelievable player for Liverpool,” said Cascarino. “His ability to change things. Drop into space and create.
“He is way off that, at the moment. I would probably throw in that Van Dijk’s been a lot poor than Joel Matip this season.”
Liverpool play their first Premier League game in a pretty long time without their two star forwards, Salah and Mane.
Jurgen Klopp’s side, who recorded a 3-3 draw against Brentford during the reverse fixture, will welcome the London club to Merseyside in a few hours time.
If the Reds show signs of struggle during this game, then serious questions will be asked of those who will be provided with the chance.
But, in truth, with players of Diogo Jot`a’s quality leading the line, there should be no reason for Liverpool not to produce the goods against the newly-promoted side.
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