Liverpool’s poor form means that some players are coming in for strong criticism. One of those is Roberto Firmino. However, it’s not Firmino that is the problem right now.
It’s all going wrong for Liverpool in 2017. The Reds look like a different team than the one that started the season just running right through everybody. The fingers are already pointing as the team’s issues are debated and analyzed. One man receiving criticism is Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian has only scored in one game this year, and that was against Swansea City back in January. Of course, Firmino is much more than just goals. But playing as the the team’s leading frontman, goals are what people inevitably look towards.
Despite Firmino bringing other things to the team, and being more of a false 9, he is still expected to score often. Perhaps not the same number that a more traditional striker would, but still in the range of 15.
At this stage, Firmino has eight Premier League goals. That’s definitely not enough. Although, more than that, the 25-year-old looks a little weary at this point, and clearly lacking in confidence. With a big game against Arsenal coming up, there is a legitimate claim that Firmino should actually be dropped.
Or is there?
Firstly, players lose form. It happens. Naturally. Then confidence follows suit. It’s normal and to be expected. Firmino is going through that situation right now. Never mind being dropped, he could do with a break.
Unfortunately for Jurgen Klopp, he just doesn’t have anybody to take his place. That is the real problem right now. Well, the real problem in attack anyway. The issues in defense are a whole other topic.
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Firmino has no competition and nobody who could legitimately take his place. Nobody who might actually keep him on the bench. In order to go to that next level of player, and one who would still suit Klopp’s style of play, it would cost Liverpool an absolute fortune.
And will that player even want to come to Liverpool? That might depend on Champions League qualification. Until then, Firmino is about Klopp’s only option in attack. Which is Klopp’s own fault anyway.
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Daniel Sturridge is usually either possibly injured, definitely injured or on his way back from an injury. When he’s not injured, he’s ill. And on the occasions he’s none of those things he’s an ill-fitting striker for Klopp’s system. Happy days.
Lacking the work rate and selfless link-up play to play as Klopp’s striker, Sturridge is fighting a losing battle at Anfield under the German. Whilst Divock Origi does show potential in flashes. Just not enough flashes.
Much like the rest of the team, Origi has shown less and less since the turn of the year, too. Klopp just doesn’t have anybody to replace Firmino. He doesn’t even have anybody to compete with him and push him. Make him fear for his place.
Firmino is likely going to play regardless of form. For a top club aiming for titles and the Champions League, that’s just not enough. Firmino is a good – if not natural – frontman, who does everything Klopp asks of his striker.
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But right now, he’s out of form and out of luck. Out of luck because he’s probably going to have to soldier on with low confidence and energy levels. Fortunately, the Brazilian will be back to his best at some point. He’ll come back around.
Unfortunately for Klopp, he has nobody else to bring in whilst he waits. That’s the real problem.