Roberto Firmino is 90 minutes away from going the entire Premier League season without scoring at Anfield.For a side that could break the league’s all-time points record, that’s pretty astonishing for their main striker.The Brazilian is imperative to Jurgen Klopp’s system with his incredible pressing from the front, winning the ball back for his side.His link-up play and movement is world-class, allowing Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah either side of him the opportunity to flourish.The Brazilian has scored eight important away goals in the league this season. In total, he’s scored 11 goals in 49 appearances this season. For a striker, that isn’t a great record.
His Anfield drought continued against Burnley on Saturday afternoon. The closest he came was striking the post in the second half as the champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley.As you’d expect, Burnley defended in numbers and frustrated Liverpool to ensure they stayed in the game for as long as possible. It worked a treat as the champions failed to add to Andy Robertson’s first half header.It wasn’t for a lack of trying from Firmino - although his attempts to break through Burnley’s defence didn’t exactly go to plan in the second half.
In the 66th-minute, Firmino received the ball inside the penalty area and was looking to create half a yard to get a shot away. He twisted and turned and twisted and turned before stumbling on the ball and conceding possession.Oh dear.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re fully aware just how good Firmino is.
Since signing for the club, he’s scored 77 goals and has been crucial in them winning the Champions League and Premier League in the last 12 months.
But it’s clear he’s suffering something of a confidence crisis in front of goal at the moment.
He hasn’t scored a Premier League goal since Liverpool’s win against Wolves all the way back in January. That was 13 matches ago.
But there’s a reason Klopp didn’t decide to pursue Timo Werner this summer. You simply can’t drop Firmino despite his lack of goals because he’s not part of Klopp’s system, he IS the system.