‘That cannot be right’: Carragher worried that Klopp is using a player who’s been ‘in decline for two years’

Add as preferred source on Google

Jamie Carragher believes Roberto Firmino has been ‘in decline for two years’. Liverpool continue to rely on him, however.

Jamie Carragher feels it’s a very bad sign that Liverpool continue to need Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian is no longer at his peak, says the ex-Red, and is instead going backwards.

“Firmino is in the last year of his deal for a reason,” Carragher wrote for the Telegraph. “He has been an amazing player for Liverpool, sure to be remembered as one of the main reasons for Liverpool’s success under Klopp.

“But has been in decline for two years, his role gradually evolving to the point where last year he was back-up to Diogo Jota and Sadio Mané. Now he seems to be first pick as the false nine again. That cannot be right, even if he has performed well in some of the games so far.”

Roberto Firmino in decline

Carragher is right, of course. Firmino hasn’t consistently shone for some time now, even if he’s one of the best at Liverpool tactically.

He is, however, only in the starting XI because Diogo Jota is injured and Darwin Nunez is yet to get up to speed. Carragher does acknowledge that in his article – Firmino won’t play an integral part this season.

Or at least, he shouldn’t. He’s actually been one of Liverpool’s better players this season, particularly with his performance against Bournemouth. Firmino also got the all-important equaliser against Newcastle United – without him, the Reds’ situation would be even worse.

Liverpool recognise that he’s not what he was, though. They’ve moved to replace their Brazilian but with absences abundant, Firmino remains almost invaluable. After all, he’s the only one who can play that False 9 role properly.

Tactically, then, Liverpool must move away from the False 9. Nunez’s arrival confirms they want to do that but it will take time – the fact the rest of the team isn’t functioning well, however, makes moving away from it a big risk.

As Firmino continues to be one of the few players actually performing – even inconsistently – Liverpool may find their reliance on him increases. And as Carragher says, that’s a dangerous position to be in as the player declines.