Some Liverpool fans want Roberto Firmino gone.
Jurgen Klopp chose to stick with the Brazilian, who hasn’t had the brightest 2020/2021 in the world. He was under significant pressure from Diogo Jota, who has enjoyed a brilliant start to his Anfield career.
However, the German chose to pick Roberto Firmino in his usual position leading the Liverpool attack – with Sadio Mane on his left and Jota to his right.
Mohamed Salah wasn’t available due to his COVID-19 issues, while other injuries kept the likes of Jordan Henderson and Thiago out of the squad.
There has been a lack of sharpness in Firmino’s game. After his career best 15 Premier League goals two seasons ago, the Brazilian has struggled to get himself in those scoring areas and convert.
In stark contrast, Jota was in fine form has he attacked the near post and buried Andy Robertson’s pinepoint cross.
Firmino should have done something similar with a well-worked corner routine in the first half. The ball was driven towards Joel Matip at the back post, who headed the ball back across the face of goal towards Bobby at the far stick.
While the Brazilian did attack it, he could only scrape his studs down the face of the ball and put it behind for a goal kick. While the rest of the lads did their job in setting up the chance, Firmino couldn’t make the most of it and it’s a story we’ve all seen before.
His struggles have been in stark contrast to the rest of the front three and Jota, but Firmino still does important work for the team. He’s been dropping back even deeper in order to link midfield and attack, and perhaps that’s taking away from his offensive record.
At some point it’s going to have to be address, or maybe we just need to change the way we think about his role?