Firmino frustrates but he is irreplaceable for Liverpool - Tactical lessons from the Premier League weekend

Playstar Slot: The Reds frontman could go the entire season without a goal at Anfield but his relative lack of goals does not detract from the crucial role he plays

 

Liverpool might be already crowned champions but they missed the opportunity to mark their first title win in 30 years with another bit of history. Had they beaten Burnley on Saturday, they would have been one game away from becoming the first team since 1892 to win every league match at home. But a defensive lapse and a heroic goalkeeping performance from Nick Pope meant Jurgen Klopp would be left to rue missed chances.

The result brought the goalscoring output of Roberto Firmino back into focus; the Liverpool No.9 is now one match away from an unwanted record of his own - a full season without a goal in his own stadium. But that should not detract from the good work he does elsewhere.

In the race for the Champions League places, Chelsea, Leicester and Manchester United all failed to take advantage, meaning that particular race is set to go to the last knockings. Chelsea were soundly beaten by Sheffield United, Leicester slipped up having taken a lead at Bournemouth while Man Utd were pegged back late on Monday night against Southampton.

           

         1) Firmino frustrates again but tactically he is irreplaceable

        

    Roberto Firmino’s goal drought at Anfield continued in a disappointing 1-1 draw with Burnley, the  Brazilian hitting the post with a scuffed shot that ultimately proved costly. But while Firmino’s finishing leaves something to be desired, there is no way Liverpool could find an upgrade on arguably the most important player in the team.

Liverpool recorded an xG of 2.18 in this game, almost double the 1.20 xG of their 3-0 win over Burnley back in August and higher than their season average of 2.03. They were simply unlucky, finding Nick Pope in inspired form and Mohamed Salah off the pace.

Firmino’s poor goalscoring record makes him an easy target, but Liverpool’s No.9 created six chances - more than any other player on the pitch. His link-up play, feeding and supporting Salah and Sadio Mane, is extraordinarily tactically complex and makes him a unique footballer in the Premier League.

Firmino operates as both a false nine and a traditional center-forward depending on the opposition, acting as the fulcrum to the vast majority of Liverpool’s attacks. His influence might not show up in the statistics, but Jurgen Klopp’s tactical strategy is built around Firmino.Visit to Uplay365