Michael Owen criticises one Liverpool player, says he has been below par for ‘months’

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Michael Owen has told Premier League Productions that Liverpool star Roberto Firmino needs to start scoring more goals and does not agree that because he plays deeper, he does not need to score – claiming he has been below par for “months”.

Firmino, 29, scored his third goal of the season at Anfield on Wednesday night as Liverpool earned a crucial 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. The Brazilian’s goal came in injury time, bulleting a header past Hugo Lloris.

Though he scored a crucially important goal that sees Liverpool return to the summit of the Premier League, Firmino has not been doing it on a regular basis. His three goals have complimented by just two assists – despite 20 appearances.

Liverpool icon Owen discussed Firmino’s numbers after the win over Tottenham and does not agree that because he sits deeper than Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, that he does not have to score. Owen also thinks has struggled in “recent months”.

“I don’t totally buy that Firmino doesn’t have to score,” Owen said. “If you’re playing in that position, you do need to chip in – no matter how much you add to the side. No question, in recent months he has not been at his brilliant best.”

TBR’s view – Firmino needs to look at Harry Kane

Kane has dropped deeper for Tottenham this season but still continues to score goals and create for the likes of Son Heung-min and others. Yes, some of Kane’s numbers are down to penalties, but he is clearly outperforming Firmino in the same position.

If Firmino can reproduce even half the numbers that Kane currently boasts, he would be much improved and a crucial asset in Liverpool’s title pursuit. If Firmino can match Kane, Liverpool will win the Premier League title.