Ex-Liverpool and England midfielder Steve McManaman has admitted that the criticism directed towards Roberto Firmino’s misfiring form in front of the goal was largely unnecessary considering the Brazillian international’s quality whilst on the pitch.
Firmino had been lambasted by many for his poor run of form in the early stages of the 2020-21 season for Jurgen Klopp’s side as the 29-year-old struggled to find the back of the net, coupled with a series of inconsistent showings when drafted as a playmaking option in the Liverpool FC XI.
While speaking to BT Sport, as quoted by reports from Goal, McManaman made note of how people chose to question Firmino’s ability as a first-team regular in light of Liverpool FC new boy Diogo Jota displaying a splendid streak of showings since his summer move to Anfield.
“It’s incredible, the fact he was, not criticised, but certainly questioned in his ability and whether he should be in the Liverpool XI,” the former Reds midfield icon said.
“Yes, Diogo Jota came in and had a blistering start to his career at Liverpool, but people were almost putting this man out to pasture.
However, Firmino’s recent upsurge in form, with him scoring thrice in his last two league outings including a brace in the 7-0 thumping of Crystal Palace on Saturday, has led to McManaman voicing praise for the Brazillian attacker’s quality as an attacking talent in Klopp’s first-team ranks.
“And he’s bounced back by scoring a lovely goal against Tottenham. He was exceptional [against Palace]. It wasn’t just his goals, it was his all-round play, link-up play, his assists.
“The fact that he finished them off with a couple himself was brilliant.”
