With Philippe Coutinho now injured, who will pick up the mantle and become Liverpool's main playmaker?
Jurgen Klopp has several viable options, but according to ex-Red Jamie Redknapp:
"Klopp may have to alter the way Liverpool play. Roberto Firmino could have to change his role and become the playmaker, with Divock Origi as a striker".
Firmino has spent much of this season playing as a centre-forward, and with 8 goals/assists in 10 games, the Brazilian is clearly thriving in that role.
Indeed, Firmino's overall record as a striker/secondary striker for Liverpool is excellent:
* 29 goals/assists in 38 games (One every 108 mins)
As such, it's a risk to move Firmino to a different position, especially when his output in other roles is comparatively poor. Examples:
* Number 10: 0 goals/1 assist In 13 games (One every 670 mins).
* Left/Right Wing: 3 goals/1 assist in 12 games (One every 183 mins).
The question is, Can Origi be as prolific as Firmino in the centre-forward role, and will his goals compensate for the inevitable reduction in Firmino's goals/assists output if he is shifted out wide?
In my view, Origi should only move into the centre-forward role when Mane goes to the African Cup of Nations. Until then, Firmino should stay as the club's main striker, with Mane and Lallana either side of him.
* Firmino: €38m-rated (CIES Football Observatory). Hailed last month as 'truly magnificent' by Phil Thompson
Jurgen Klopp has several viable options, but according to ex-Red Jamie Redknapp:
"Klopp may have to alter the way Liverpool play. Roberto Firmino could have to change his role and become the playmaker, with Divock Origi as a striker".
Firmino has spent much of this season playing as a centre-forward, and with 8 goals/assists in 10 games, the Brazilian is clearly thriving in that role.
Indeed, Firmino's overall record as a striker/secondary striker for Liverpool is excellent:
* 29 goals/assists in 38 games (One every 108 mins)
As such, it's a risk to move Firmino to a different position, especially when his output in other roles is comparatively poor. Examples:
* Number 10: 0 goals/1 assist In 13 games (One every 670 mins).
* Left/Right Wing: 3 goals/1 assist in 12 games (One every 183 mins).
The question is, Can Origi be as prolific as Firmino in the centre-forward role, and will his goals compensate for the inevitable reduction in Firmino's goals/assists output if he is shifted out wide?
In my view, Origi should only move into the centre-forward role when Mane goes to the African Cup of Nations. Until then, Firmino should stay as the club's main striker, with Mane and Lallana either side of him.
* Firmino: €38m-rated (CIES Football Observatory). Hailed last month as 'truly magnificent' by Phil Thompson
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