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Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy has explained why Jurgen Klopp should put Roberto Firmino in the starting lineup against Manchester City this afternoon.
It would mean that Diogo Jota would sit on the bench again.
But the form of the Portugal international this season cannot be ignored despite the fact that he was supposed to play as a back-up for Liverpool’s tremendous trio.
The 23-year-old has advocated for a starting position with his performances.
In his first 10 games, he has scored seven, despite being largely on the bench.
And in his last appearance, the former Wolves star wowed on the European stage when he scored a hat-trick against Atalanta in the Champions League.
But Murphy believes that Firmino’s experience in the big games should allow him to get the nod ahead of his rival striker.
He told the Daily Mail: “We are nowhere near a situation where Roberto Firmino has to be eliminated for Liverpool’s biggest games, even though he has only scored three goals in 30 games.
“It’s certainly a disappointing record, but it’s not that important when the team is winning.
“Even though the Brazilian scored only 12 goals last season, the big picture for Jurgen Klopp is that he contributed enormously to Liverpool winning the championship.
“They were also at the top of the table before this weekend’s games with Firmino working and creating rather than scoring.
“I can see why new signing Diogo Jota is receiving praise after his hat-trick during the week in the Champions League.
(Image: PA)
“But I would be very surprised if the manager had seriously considered splitting his trusted big three of Mo Salah, Firmino and Sadio Mane at Manchester City.”
After Jota’s hat-trick against Atalanta, it was Firmino who Klopp ran to defense and berated journalists asking for the Brazilian instead of his team’s fantastic victory.
Murphy added: “It is not a miscalculated sense of loyalty on Klopp’s part. Firmino just fits into this Liverpool team, his linking game is excellent and allows Salah and Mane to be at their best in their preferred positions.
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“Liverpool will not dominate possession against City so when they have the ball they need someone they can trust to hold it and build the game. That’s Firmino.
“He also understands the attack movement and rotation that is such a powerful weapon for Liverpool.
“If he sees Mane pass him and runs to the right, Firmino has the intelligence to fill the hole.
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