‘He’s so important’: Owen Hargreaves says Liverpool cannot drop Roberto Firmino

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BT Sport pundit and former Man United man, Owen Hargreaves, believes Liverpool cannot afford to drop Roberto Firmino despite his lack of goals.

The Brazilian, who earns a reported £180k-a-week at Anfield, has come under the microscope this season as a lack of goals and the signing of Diogo Jota threaten his place.

So far, Jurgen Klopp has resisted the temptation to drop Firmino, opting, instead, with a system to deploy all four of his star forwards.

And Hargreaves, speaking this week for BT Sport, believes the Brazilian forward simply has to play due to his unselfish nature and highlighted an inkling of growing tensions in the camp.

“I don’t think you can drop Firmino, he’s so important and I think he’s the most unselfish player in the Premier League.

“I’ve actually seen in the last few games Salah and Jota – I know Jota deserves all the attention he’s getting – but if everybody is trying to have a shot when they get the ball – Salah, Jota and Mane – I think you’re going to start seeing a slight bit of tension.  Firmino isn’t like that.”

Firmino has just the two Premier League goals this term and has yet to register in Europe. Jota, meanwhile, is almost at double figures already, while Salah and Mane remain undroppable.

Firmino is key, but the goals must come too – TBR View

We are seeing more and more managers deploy forwards a tad deeper, like Harry Kane and Alexandre Lacazette. However, the difference there is Kane, in particular, gets in and amongst the goals.

Firmino simply isn’t doing that and as long as Jota keeps scoring, the pressure will build. Especially, when Liverpool have a fully fit squad.

The Brazilian is a class act but he will know too well that his record needs to improve.