Liverpool are 10 points off the top and several stars have failed to hit the heights of previous campaigns
It’s been a frustrating season for many Liverpool players, but few more than Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian has found the net just six times in 32 appearances, and has struggled for form as the champions have fallen to fourth place.
He’s been a key players in recent season as Jurgen Klopp’s men claimed the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020, but his underwhelming form this time around has now been recognised by leading Spanish outlet Marca.
They’ve compiled a list of ‘Big players in precarious situations’, focusing on high-profile players who are currently failing to deliver.
Firmino is at the summit, with the list also including out-of-favour Tottenham stars Dele Alli and Gareth Bale, as well as former Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge.
“They’ve been to heaven but now they are at the gates of hell” begins the article, adding: “Players with incredible CVs, huge reputations and even bigger wage packets are currently going through tough spells.”
Of the 29-year-old Anfield man, who reportedly earns £180,000 per week, they said: “The Brazilian has emerged as the weak point of Liverpool’s attacking trident which took England and Europe by storm in recent years.
“His market value has dropped 20 percent in just one year and his performances are being questioned by club legends such as Jamie Carragher.”
Speaking on Sky Sports in January, Anfield legend Carragher said: “At this moment, I think Mane and Salah are going through poor form. It happens.
“I’m still confident that (Sadio) Mane and (Mo) Salah will start scoring goals again, but I must say I am worried for Firmino.
He’s never been seen as the goal scorer, that’s the responsibility of the other two,” said Carragher.
“But he’s there to chip in and when they’re not scoring, and I just feel he needs to be a bigger goal threat.
“He’s the one I’m worried about, whether it be a lack of form or maybe just that slow decline as you get a little bit older, which is natural for any attacker when they get to their late 20s because they don’t play as long as players in other areas of the pitch.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
