Lothar Matthaus thinks Roberto Firmino may be on borrowed time at Liverpool with Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland the ideal successor, speaking to Sky, via Goal.
If Firmino is the perfect example of what a ‘false nine’ should be, dropping into the half-spaces, linking the play with the subtlest of touches and getting the best out of those around him, Haaland is something a little more traditional.
The Norway sensation combines the build of a classic targetman with explosive pace and a deceptively impressive first touch, although it is his ability to put the ball in the back of the net that marks Haaland out as a potentially generation-defining talent.
The 20-year-old has scored a remarkable 52 goals in 50 matches since the start of 2019/20, taking his game to a whole new level after joining Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in January.
With a £68 million release clause in his contract (albeit one that will not come into effect until 2022), it seems only a matter of time before Haaland leaves Dortmund behind for one of the giants of world football.
“I am thinking of the big clubs, not necessarily Bayern Munich, because Robert Lewandowski will play for the next two or three years and Haaland probably won’t stay in Dortmund that long,” said 1990 Ballon d’Or winner and Germany legend Bayern.
“But there’s Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester or Klopp, who is looking for a successor for Firmino.”
Klopp has consistently defended Firmino in the media of late but, even if the Brazilian’s link play remains as sharp as ever, his stats are becoming increasingly concerning.
In his last 62 games, the former Hoffenheim star has scored just 13 times.
And for all those rushing to point out that Firmino has never been a natural finisher, it should not be forgotten that he found the net on 16 occasions in 2018/19 and 27 the year before.
The drop-off cannot be disputed.
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