Crouch explains why Firmino's spot at Liverpool is under threat

Peter Crouch has explained why Roberto Firmino could lose his first-team spot under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool FC.

Over the years, Roberto Firmino alongside Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have established themselves as one of the most lethal frontlines in football.

The Brazilian has scored 79 goals and chipped in 62 assists in 254 appearances since joining Liverpool in 2015.

The above also means he is the most used player under Klopp since his arrival at the Merseyside club.

However, Firmino could see his opportunities dwindle as time goes on. This is due to the arrival of Diogo Jota from Wolves. The Portuguese was expected to add ‘support’ to the Reds frontline but he could yet be more than just that.

That’s it, Firmino has to be dropped. It’s time for Jota to start and Firmino to fight for his place.

No discussions.
— Nasir (@LFCNxsir) October 31, 2020

The 23-year-old has scored in each of their recent wins over Sheffield United, Midtjylland, and West Ham, while Firmino has only managed a single strike in 10 appearances this season across all competitions.

It is a tough decision for Klopp but Crouch thinks it’s only a matter of time before Jota stakes a claim as a first-team starter ahead of the Brazilian.

“I was of the opinion Firmino was one player who would never be dropped by Jurgen Klopp but, given their respective form, there is now a big decision for Liverpool’s manager,” Crouch told the Mail.

“I have been so impressed by Jota. He took his goal brilliantly against West Ham and looks like he will make a difference every time he is on the pitch.”

“He has given them an element of unpredictability and has made his transfer fee look very shrewd business.”

“He warrants a start in a game of that magnitude against City but I wouldn’t forget about all Firmino has done. It would be a big, big shout if he didn’t start next Sunday.”

It might still be too early for Klopp to make such a decision. However, if Jota continues to deliver on a consistent basis for even longer, it’s inevitable he will jump ahead of Firmino in the starting lineup.