Much has been said about the form of Mohamed Salah at Liverpool this season, yet the Egyptian forward is only two goals behind the Premier League’s current top scorer Sergio Aguero, who found the back of the net for the eighth time this season in the recent Manchester derby.
With that in mind, Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to have any concerns with Salah. Rather, what is more likely to worry the German is the lack of proficiency up front from Roberto Firmino, something which has alerted a former Liverpool No.9.
The Breakdown
Firmino has only managed to register twice in 12 Premier League appearances in the current campaign, and John Aldridge is now calling on the Brazilian to raise his game.
In his Liverpool Echo column, Aldridge wrote: “Firmino is just out of sorts completely – I don’t know what’s wrong with him mentally – but he’s just not on the same wavelength as anyone else on the pitch.
“He’s getting that frustrated he’s coming to the back four to try and receive possession. They should be shouting at him. If I were Virgil van Dijk I’d be telling him to ‘get up the park’ and not cluttering things up for the midfield players.”
An unconventional No.9 under Klopp, many will point towards Firmino’s overall contribution to the team — and rightly so.
The 27-year-old is instrumental in how Liverpool win the ball back high up the pitch, while he also plays a key role in linking up the play and allowing Salah and Sadio Mane to run in behind.
However, if Liverpool are to keep pace with a Manchester City side who currently have an incredible goal difference of 31, then Firmino needs to increase his goal output.
