Statistically, Roberto Firmino is the worst finisher across European football’s top leagues, that’s according to a report by Football Critic. This conclusion has been reached based upon the use of the expected goals metric also known as xG.
According to this study, the Brazilian’s expected goals figure currently stands at 15.5 but the frontman has only managed to net on eight occasions in the Premier League this season, making his xG difference +7.5.
Second to Firmino in the table is Sheffield United’s David McGoldrick with an xG difference of +7.2 followed in third by Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani.
Here’s what the club’s supporters have had to say on the report.
Yep, not surprising, amazing player but his finishing is woeful.
— Jamie Funnell (@JamieFunnell5) April 1, 2020
Werner needed
— Jamie (@DazzlingDivock) April 1, 2020
Very average and extremely replaceable he’s the “system” There a lot of players who could fit his role and probably do better
— Benjamin (@DonosaurusRex1) April 1, 2020
Are you concerned by the report concerning Roberto Firmino?
Yes
No
Stick Werner, if we get him, up top and firmino as the 10 and those chances are scored
— Cännön (@GotGrassedOn) April 1, 2020
Doesn’t surprise me. Misses so many sitters
— Decky LFC (@declanwhitaker) April 1, 2020
It proves he’s a poor finisher
— Michael SNM1 (@Snm1Michael) April 1, 2020
What do we think?
It’s clear from the above responses that these Liverpool supporters have been getting rather fed up with his finishing.
As well as the eight goals he has scored in the Premier League this season, the 28-year-old has provided seven assists and his average performance rating stands at an impressive 7.26/10 according to WhoScored.com, therefore perhaps the xG figure does not tell the whole story regarding the South American’s contribution to the Reds.