Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has been warned he has to up his goals tally or risk being replaced by Jurgen Klopp. Firmino scored just 12 goals in 52 matches in all competitions for Liverpool last season, despite the Reds winning the Premier League title at a canter. It was the first campaign in his five years at Anfield that he had not reached double figures in a domestic league season.
Firmino netted his first of this season in the 2-1 win over Sheffield United on Saturday.
Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison says certain leeway must be given to forwards like Firmino who provide a lot more than just goals for their team.
However, Hutchison says there may come a point where Klopp will want a more prolific striker than the 29-year-old.
Hutchison told Premier League Productions: "He needed that didn't he, Firmino, he needed that. He needed a goal.
Liverpool news: Roberto Firmino has been warned over his place in Jurgen Klopp's side (Image: GETTY)
"I think you always give certain strikers [leeway], like Firmino and like Diego Costa, what they do for the team, their impact for the team, impact Salah and Mane getting goals.
"But there is a point where you're watching games and you go 'you do need to chip in with some' otherwise Liverpool may look in years down the line of getting a prolific No 9 in.
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Liverpool news: Roberto Firmino has won the Champions League and Premier League (Image: EXPRESS)
“Of course, I cannot and will not in this column claim we can produce the same feeling when Anfield’s stands remain closed.
"But what I can say is we will try to channel the energy that comes from within, in terms of what it means to represent LFC, in this specific competition and at our home.
“As a team we carry that responsibility into this game."
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