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Liverpool legend Steve McManaman believes that Roberto Firmino is still ahead of Diogo Jota in Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order.
Jota is off to an impressive start to his career at the Reds after coming in from Premier League rival Wolves in the summer, scoring five goals in eight top flight appearances.
The Portugal star’s final goal earned Liverpool a 1-1 draw at Brighton and his impressive form, coupled with Firmino’s struggles, has sparked debate over Klopp’s best starting XI this season.
However, Reds icon McManaman says the Brazilian, who is part of Liverpool’s famous attacking trio alongside Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, should be the first choice.
(Image: PA)
“I still think that Jurgen Klopp likes the fact that he can trust Firmino, Mane and Salah right now,” McManaman said.
“As much as Jota has been absolutely fantastic … I think he (Jota) would still be the one to retire right now.
“If his form continues, that could change, but he won the league with the other three, so he knows they can fully trust them.”
(Image: Getty Images)
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While McManaman praised Liverpool’s attack, he feels they are vulnerable on defense following the long-term injuries of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
He added: “I think the only area is in the central defensive area. I don’t believe it in any other area of the field.
“People keep saying they let Lovren go and never replaced him, which is true, but you don’t expect two or three injuries in the same positions.
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
“If you had the money, would you bring someone? Yes. I don’t know what the financial situation is. Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk are out for a significant amount of time. He can move Fabinho back to the center half area where he has been fantastic.
“If they have the finances, it’s a no-brainer to go and sign a central midfielder, so if you have too many central defenders, you fix it at the end of the season.
“It would be a no-brainer and he would look for a superior central defender and deal with the numbers later.”
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