Rio Ferdinand claims Roberto Firmino now under ‘huge pressure’ at Liverpool

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BT Sport pundit and former England defender, Rio Ferdinand, has claimed that Roberto Firmino is now under ‘huge pressure’ at Liverpool following the emergence of Diogo Jota.

Jota was once again one of the stars of the show as Liverpool romped to a big win in the Champions League last night. The former Wolves man scoring a couple of goals in another fine performance.

It was the third game running where Jota had excelled, having previously scored winning Premier League goals against West Ham and Sheffield United.

And Ferdinand, speaking following the win over Atalanta, says Firmino is now under pressure for his place in the team.

“I’m sure Firmino will be sitting there compiling a little playback list to give to Klopp to remind him of what he’s capable of doing. Firmino, like it or not, will want to start and this guy’s putting him under huge pressure.”

Firmino has struggled to get in and among the goals in the last 12 months, especially at Anfield. However, it is widely accepted how important his role is in allowing Mo Salah and Sadio Mane to succeed.

Jota, though, has formed part of a front four at times already and is making it increasingly hard for Klopp to ignore him.

Strikers need goals, simple as that – TBR View

For all his brilliant play and being a seemingly undroppable member of the Liverpool XI, the fact is that Firmino hasn’t scored the goals a number nine should do in that team.

Especially, given the amount of chances the Reds create. One goal in 11 this season is not good enough, while he only netted 12 last season in over 50 games, per Transfermarkt.

Firmino is a brilliant player but there comes a time when goals are more important. And at the moment, Jota is the man ticking that box.