Jamie Carragher has suggested to Sky Sports that Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has been below par for over a year now.
Firmino’s place at Liverpool has come under huge pressure this summer, following the arrival of Diogo Jota.
But Carragher actually has suggested that Firmino’s form has been below par for under a year.
There is now a huge debate over how Jurgen Klopp will back to start against Manchester City on Sunday.
Liverpool could opt to pick the red-hot Jota, who would surely increase their scoring threat.
However, Firmino is one of the best pressing forwards in world football, and with City expected to have the lion’s share of possession, Carragher thinks Klopp will back the Brazilian to start.
“Jota’s form warrants a start, you can’t argue about that, but I just think the manager will go back to Firmino, the way they’ve set up before,” Carragher said.
“I think Firmino this season, he’s not been at his best, there’s no doubt. I don’t think he was at his best last season.
“But they’ve always performed in the big games – Everton, Arsenal, Chelsea.
“That’s when teams play out from the back and that’s when Bobby Firmino is a huge part of that press and winning the ball back and almost not letting teams get out of their own half.”
If Firmino does start then his performance is sure to be heavily scrutinised.
With Jota breathing down his neck, the 29-year-old’s place has really been so uncertain during his entire time at Anfield.
If Liverpool can pick up a win against City then it will be the first major blow struck in the title race, and would put them eight points clear of Pep Guardiola’s men at this early stage of the season.
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