Diogo Jota put Roberto Firmino in a very difficult position

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Diogo Jota looked great against RB Leipzig but what does that mean for Roberto Firmino? The Brazilian is in a tough position.

We suspected Liverpool might go all-out-attack with Roberto Firmino out, starting Diogo Jota and looking to break. Although, we doubt we were alone in that.

It was the obvious option, after all. Liverpool could get three high-energy, direct forwards on the pitch and look to counter.

And that’s exactly what they did. Liverpool actually had under 50 per cent possession for once, frequently going long and putting pressure on RB Leipzig’s backline.

The Reds consistently caused problems and while it took them a while to find their shooting boots, they were better going forward than they’ve been in months.

Left out

Firmino didn’t play because of a knee injury. That forced Klopp’s hand but right now, he must be wondering if this is the way forward.

Jota dropped back just enough that Firmino’s link-up play wasn’t completely lost. More importantly, Thiago stepped up and filled what was left of the void. Having Fabinho back brought the most out of the Spaniard.

But there was another factor. Jota constantly offered a threat in behind, right down the middle. That forced centre-backs backwards and opened up more space.

Liverpool used that space really well, be it from drives through midfield or Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah drifting inwards.

Either way, it suited the current setup.

Liverpool also got their breakthrough that way. Jota ran down the middle, received a long pass, and drew players towards him. He then found an open Salah who composed himself to score.

Firmino doesn’t offer these options. But as Liverpool struggle in the Premier League, this game suggested they should head in another direction.

We wonder if Klopp may opt for Jota over the rest of the campaign, leaving Firmino out. We certainly couldn’t blame him after this performance.

And with a big summer coming up, there really be no way back for Firmino as a star player at Liverpool. The times may have changed.