I find it hard to believe, at times, about the amount of stick Firmino seems to get. I accept that each and every player has less effective times than at others, but his overall gift of ball control, together with his dedication to play as part of a team, not a one-off, makes him for me one of the central players to our success, both now and in the future.
Some seem to be trying to write him off already, a la Haaland et al, but it is never as simple as that. Firmino has still got lots to give to the club. He deserves support that at times he doesn’t seem to be getting. He is an essential element of a front three who are the envy of the footballing world. Great players they are, now and in the future, no doubt, but the likes of Jota of Kutami have some way to go to replace him. The club has some really good young talent coming through the ranks, but they too are far off at present.
So, tomorrow, how about cutting the guy some slack and getting behind him instead?
Bobby
posted on 3/3/21
His goal output is nowhere near good enough for a centre forward playing for a top team. The criticism is deserved.
posted on 3/3/21
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posted on 3/3/21
There was an article that said he is negative ten in expected goals, way below average expected of him from chances hes had. Mane is plus 6 n salah plus 2. Think thats the issue we dont want him to score boat loads just average amount . Manes been off form sure but still nowhere near as bad infront of goal.
posted on 3/3/21
Always felt he was very sloppy player at times. Sometimes itd take him 45 mins to complete a pass. Then he’d do something outrageous. What was always there was workrate n his pressing.
Thats my biggest issue with him this season hes not on the fromt foot with his pressing hes on his heels its reactionary rather than proactive pressing.
Thought it may be down to tiredness a long time ago might still be idk but hes dropped off massively in this regard from what im seeing. That said most the team have the efforts in some of the games were pathetic vs everton looked like they werent even bothered, not a word everytime pickford was time wasting told it all.
posted on 3/3/21
A lot of hunger and desire has gone from the team, even opposition fans noticed with the claims of caffeine doping etc. Somethings not been right behind the scenes im sure of that its not just the injury crisis though it hasnt helped.
Dno why, maybe they think theyve done enough. We know of salah n gini contract issues maybe its that? Fack knows but somethings not right.
posted on 3/3/21
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posted on 3/3/21
Jota coming back will hopefully push him on as he will have some genuine competition.
His confidence is obviously low and he's having a tough time. It's not over for him, and Jimmy is right that he doesn't deserve the slaughtering he has had. As Jota is just returning I think Bobby may start tomorrow. He needs a good game, or quite rightly he will be dropped.
posted on 3/3/21
The guy has been absolutely class overall for us and has cemented his place in the clubs history with what he has achieved however i dont personally feel the output we have had from him the last 18 months or so has been enough for a guy leading the line for 1 of the best teams in europe.
Harry kane does all the things firmino does but chips in 20+ goals a season. Suarez was the same. When you are at the very top (as we have been the last couple of years) sometimes big decisions need to be made. Fergie did with the likes of beckham, van nistelrooy, keane.
I love the guy, always will, but if money is tight in the summer i would not be against his sale to generate funds to go alongside some investment from the owners to fund a new front man. I dont think that opinion warrants criticism. Its about evolving and that is an area that i feel we could evolve.
posted on 4/3/21
Nobody's saying he isn't a class player and we don't appreciate everything he has done for the club but he's tailed off massively. He shouldn't be starting games in his current form. It's as simple as that.
posted on 4/3/21
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