The last thing Liverpool should do is rest Roberto Firmino

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is apparently willing to rest Roberto Firmino tonight but his record in Europe means he absolutely has to start.

It has been noted that Liverpool are uniquely designed to succeed in Europe. Not simply because of the history of being five time Champions League winners or because European nights at Anfield are the best experience in the world. It is also because this team is constructed to thrive on the continent.

Jurgen Klopp has crafted an attacking unit that is devastating. While that force is felt regularly in domestic competitions it is in the Champions League where the full power of the attack is revealed.

Liverpool scored more goals in last season’s European competition than any other year in their history; second all-time. The greatest benefactor of this proficiency is Roberto Firmino.

Since the beginning of last season Firmino has had a goal or assist every 147 minutes in the Premier League. That is not bad but not elite. In Europe those figures leap to a goal or assist every 64 minutes. That is world-class.

However Klopp is considering resting the Brazilian tonight against Red Star Belgrade. I am a firm believer in the manager and his decisions. But I would like to see Firmino take the field and cause havoc tonight and then be rested for the game against Fulham.

Daniel Sturridge should be a more than capable replacement against the worst defense in the Premier League.

Firmino has only played one game in the last 10 days; he shouldn’t be desperate for a mid-week rest and there are no injury concerns we know about.

A win tonight gives Liverpool a commanding lead as every result in the PSG v Napoli game is good for the Reds. A draw will give Liverpool a three and four point advantage. If either sides loses they will face a huge task.

All that matters tonight is the result. But I think our long-term goals will better served with Firmino leading the line against Red Star Belgrade.