Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino alongside Mohamed Salah and Thiago
Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has attracted criticism from esteemed members of the press following a lacklustre display against Fulham.
The Lowdown: Reds draw in London…
Jurgen Klopp’s side had to share the spoils in a thrilling Premier League opener at Craven Cottage this afternoon in a 2-2 draw.
Serbia international Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring with his header past Alisson in the first half as Fulham made life very difficult right from the first whistle.
Klopp’s men showed signs of some improvement in the next 45 minutes with Darwin Nunez equalising mid-way through, only for the home side to put themselves back in front again.
Defender Virgil van Dijk gave away a clumsy penalty for Mitrovic to score his second of the afternoon, but luckily for the Dutchman, Mohamed Salah was on hand to spare his blushes in the 80th minute with a scrappy equaliser.
The Latest: Journalists criticise Firmino…
Even though van Dijk was handed a tough afternoon by Mitrovic, with Liverpool’s centre-back finishing today as one of their lowest-rated players, journalists pointed more criticism at Firmino.
“Roberto Firmino has really struggled to get into the game. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s replaced by Darwin Núñez at the break. Harvey Elliot may also come on against his former club to give Liverpool a spark in midfield. Lacking so far.” – Sachin Nakrani (The Guardian)
“Firmino actually did almost nothing after this. Liverpool only performing in spells today. Silva has managed this well so far.” –Â Miguel Delaney (The Independent)
The Verdict: Correct…
Going by his contribution via SofaScore, the Brazilian certainly failed to make a real impact before his substitution on 51 minutes.
Indeed, Firmino didn’t manage a single shot, dribble attempt or key pass whilst he was on the pitch and, going forward, Klopp may be more demanding of the 30-year-old ahead of a long, title-challenging campaign.
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