Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has a big headache ahead of Sunday’s trip to Manchester City.
Roberto Firmino has been a brilliant player for Klopp since taking the reins on Merseyside back in 2015.
But the Brazilian’s goals are drying up in a major way, having netted just once in 11 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
In contrast, Diogo Jota scored a hat-trick in Liverpool’s Champions League win away to Atalanta.
In doing so, the 23-year-old, who has seven goals under Klopp this season, has now scored more than Firmino has in the entire year of 2020 so far.
Going by the form, Jota is arguably the smarter option for the Liverpool boss away at the Etihad Stadium.
And that’s certainly the view of Mark Lawrenson, who suggested to BBC Sport that the German should axe Firmino – who cost £29 million five years ago – in favour of the former Wolves attacker.
He said: “Up front, I am a big fan of Roberto Firmino and what he does for the team but Diogo Jota has got the same work ethic and is scoring goals too – he is on fire at the moment.”
Eyebrows were raised when Liverpool shelled out £45 million on Jota but, so far, he is looking a very, very good addition.
And if he gets the nod on Sunday, and scores, then he’s going to be fast-tracked toward adulation among Reds fans.
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