Jamie Carragher has been speaking about Liverpool’s woeful run of form, and he’s singled out one Liverpool player who must do better – Roberto Firmino.
Speaking on the Super 6 podcast, the former Reds defender said: “If you’re playing centre-forward for one of the best teams in Europe, you’ve got to bring a bit more than Firmino is right now.”
There’s no denying that the Brazil international does need to bring more to the table.
He only has six goals in 25 Premier League appearances this season, which isn’t good enough to be starting at centre-forward for the Premier League champions week in, week out.
Of course, we’re aware of what Firmino offers when Liverpool aren’t in possession.
He is terrier-like at times, and his deep positioning can often suck centre-backs infield, allowing Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to run in behind.
However, the former Hoffenheim man seems to have been sussed out by opponents nowadays.
It speaks volumes that Diogo Jota was starting to take Firmino’s place before he got injured.
Jurgen Klopp clearly feels that his No.9 is lacking something this season.
However, that doesn’t change the fact that the 29-year-old is still a favourite of the German, having started 23 of Liverpool’s 25 Premier League games this term.
The £180,000-a-week forward is so talented. Firmino is intelligent, reads the space well, and is usually a good finisher when chances present themselves.
Perhaps him and Klopp just need to have a little meeting together to iron out any issues that might be affecting him.
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