Why Liverpool’s attack would suffer from Firmino’s recent form

Liverpool remain unbeaten after 12 Premier League matches, the highest they have gone in their history, thanks to Klopp’s ability to input much confidence in his players.

Despite the impressive start to the season, it wouldn’t be out of place to say that the front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane are far from the blistering form they displayed throughout last season.

Though Mo Salah and Sadio Mane have managed to score 15 goals between themselves, they still left so much to be desired as the season progresses.

While both African players have managed to score some goals, their Brazilian teammate is greatly out of form as he’s only assisted just four goals so far this season.

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Firmino’s dip in form must be a great concern for Jurgen Klopp, considering the player’s versatility and hard-work during games.

Roberto Firmino joined Liverpool from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in 2015 but he made to play in a much deeper role by Brendan Rodgers due to the presence of top strikers in the team

Understandably, the 29-year-old had little or no impact on team’s results during his first season at Anfield stadium, not just because he was featured out of position but as result of the change in environment and tactics.

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However, the hiring of Jurgen Klopp from Borussia Dortmund in 2015-16 season saw the Brazilian returned to his best playing position as he was pushed up front. He was deployed as false nine where he scored 12 goals in 38 matches.

Last season could be regarded his best season at Anfield as he formed a deadly partnership with his fellow strikers. He played a total number of 37 Premier League matches, scoring 15 goals in the League and 27 in all competitions.

He unselfishly assists many goals which many top class strikers would have chosen to score by themselves.

Though his style of play and his unselfish character on the field remain intact, Firmino has been unconvincing since the start of the season. His high ball-winning tackles have drastically reduced while his blistering counter-attacking moves are not yet seen.

Salah and Mane’s not too impressive goalscoring ratio this season could be traced to Firmino’s recent form as both players solidly depend on the Brazilian assists and hard work.

klopp must focus on helping the player return back to perfect form by giving him enough rest.

In Shaqiri, the German manager has a capable player to come into the starting lineup while the Brazilian star observes the rest he desperately needed.

The Swiss international is fast becoming a good addition to the team and he should be given much time on the field of play so as to pass a message to Firmino that he needs to up his game, else, he lost his place in the team.