Since joining the club in 2015, Roberto Firmino has become one of the most important players in Liverpool’s first-team, and was one who helped to kickstart the Jurgen Klopp era.
But as of late, his form hasn’t quite been what Reds fans have been used to the past few seasons.
Against West Ham, the Brazilian looked a world away from his usual quality, having just 43 touches during the game without taking a single shot – this was the lowest out of the whole starting XI bar Alisson, who made 23 touches. After 7 league games this campaign, he has registered 1 goal and 2 assists, and albeit not often playing as the traditional striker, he hasn’t looked himself in the past few games.
With Liverpool’s upcoming games against Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday and Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday – it is crunch time in a difficult period of games where the Reds will be looking for maximum points, and rest for Firmino may be needed, especially after the impressive goalscoring form of new boy Diogo Jota.
Does Firmino need a rest?
Yes
No
The Portuguese forward cost Liverpool £41 million during the summer transfer window and has since scored 3 goals in 5 league appearances – a sign that he has settled in well to life at the club.
Liverpool’s fixtures list is as busy as ever, with 5 games to play this month, and with the busy schedule comes a decision on Firmino – a player who deserves a rest on the bench, and Jota – a player who deserves his chance in the starting lineup.
Whatever the outcome, it is clear that Firmino is in need of some time off the pitch to regain the energy and form that the Liverpool faithful know and love.
What do you think Reds fans, does Firmino need rest, and does Jota deserve a start? Let us know in the comments section below!