Liverpool supporters were elated to get a rare win at Old Trafford earlier this week, with one of the more relieving aspects of the result being the brace from Roberto Firmino. Prior to that game, the Brazilian had gone 15 games without a goal.
While Firmino has never been the most prolific of strikers, his goals have dried up at a frightening rate in the last 12 months or so. Having notched a career high 27 goals in all competitions in the 17/18 campaign, that is down to just eight in this campaign.
He brings far more to the team that just goals, but it is clear Liverpool need more from him in that regard. The forward has been labelled as a different type of striker by many onlookers, and while that is the case, today's Sky Sports panel said that he still needs to contribute in that area.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool's clash against West Brom this afternoon, Jamie Redknapp and Graeme Souness admitted that while the 29-year old is an excellent player, more goals are needed from him.
🗣 "Before that he had not scored in 15? That's your striker." 😳
Jamie Redknapp & Graeme Souness argue about Roberto Firmino's lack of goals as a number 9 pic.twitter.com/7XGDyM4qe2— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 16, 2021
Redknapp: Firmino got two the other night, but before that hadn't scored in 15 and he's a striker. It's not good enough.
It doesn't matter (that he's a 'different' type of striker).
He's in a position where he plays highest up the pitch, he's got two good wide men...
Souness: He's a failure if you looked at that (goals scored). You can't say he's a scorer, but he creates so much.
He's the exact opposite of what Mo Salah is. Mo Salah gets a glimpse at the goal and he's trying, this guy wants to clever things and lay it on a plate for him.
He's a fabulous player, but in his career he will be judged as a striker who didn't score enough goals...
Redknapp: Yes he is the ultimate team player, but if you're a Liverpool number nine you've got to be scoring goals. You can't have 15 games without a goal.
Both Firmino and the club's supporters will be hoping he can rediscover his goalscoring touch for next season.
