LFC Daytrippers contributors Grizz Khan and Sean Lawson have been discussing Roberto Firmino following Liverpool’s win over West Ham United at Anfield in the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp’s side won 2-1 thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota after Pablo Fornals had put the visitors in front after just 10 minutes (as per BBC Sport). Firmino started the game up top alongside both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, but despite the positive result, the pair were left concerned by the Brazilian’s display.
Khan began by saying:
“Bobby, to the naked eye, without going into his stats, looks tired, he doesn’t look his usual buzzing [self] – mentally and physically.”
It’s clear the podcaster believes the £64.8m-rated forward looked out of sorts and Lawson agreed. Here is what he had to say:
“We’ve been waiting for this breakdown in one of the front three. Bobby didn’t score enough goals last year, but what he doesn’t give you in goals he makes up for in his in-game intelligence, his pressing, his link-up play, his hold-up play, his [capability of] bringing other players into the game, but he hasn’t done that this year. He’s been shocking.”
Does Roberto Firmino need a break?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on the podcasters’ views regarding Roberto Firmino…
The 29-year-old has scored just once in the league this season for the reigning champions, although he has managed to contribute two assists so far (as per Transfermarkt).
His average performance rating in the English top flight this season so far, as per WhoScored, currently stands at 6.99/10 and although it is still relatively early in the season, his rating during the 2019/20 campaign of 7.14/10 suggests he possibly isn’t performing at quite the same level just yet, while he was dropped to the bench for Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Atalanta.
In our view, the former Hoffenheim striker is suffering from a slight dip in form, as evidenced by his current average performance rating, but given how strongly he has performed in recent seasons, we wouldn’t be dropping the player from the first team just yet – so all eyes are sure to be on Klopp ahead of the Reds’ return to Premier League action against Manchester City this coming weekend.