Peter Crouch has said that Liverpool star Roberto Firmino should be worried about the emergence of Diogo Jota after his hat-trick against Atalanta.
The former Reds striker was speaking on BT Sport’s coverage of the match (3/11/20 8PM kick-off), and he was in awe of Jota’s first-half showing.
Crouch was particularly dazzled by the Portugal international’s second goal; a strongly-hit half-volley in a tight space.
“How quick does he get onto it with his right foot there?” Crouch said.
“He just looks so sharp at the minute
“Look, we never thought we could break up this front front three with Firmino in there as well, but I mean, if I’m Firmino right now, I’m slightly worried.
The ex-Spurs forward is right; the former Hoffenheim man should be panicking.
Not only did Jota score a hat-trick on Tuesday, Firmino’s usual partners, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, both also found the back of the net and, if those two continue to prove they can score regularly without Firmino on the pitch, his spot could be in danger.
Goals have never been the biggest part of the Brazilian’s game, with his link-up play and creativity usually named as his best assets.
However, if Liverpool’s two star forwards can be just as prolific without the false nine, he may find himself on the bench more often than not.
It would have been preposterous to suggest breaking up that front three this time last year. But it’s hard to argue that Liverpool didn’t look like a better team with Jota in the XI, as they put five past last season’s Champions League quarter-finalists.
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