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Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp are about to lose a finisher that only Kylian Mbappé can beat
One of the most important traits you can have as a forward is to get shots on target and at least test the goalkeeper. Few do it better and more consistently than Kylian Mbappé.
Once coveted by Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp, the Frenchman is delivering the goods year in and year out at Paris Saint Germain. This season is no exception. In Europe’s top five leagues, no one has averaged more shots on target per 90 minutes than Mbappé this year at 2.38. But for Liverpool, that’s not the most interesting statistic.
Go just one place below, and it’s not the usual suspects who are behind the Frenchman. It’s not Erling Haaland or Lionel Messi on the list, nor even Mohamed Salah, but anoter, all too familiar figure at Liverpool in Roberto Firmino.
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The Brazilian has averaged 1.87 shots on target for Liverpool in the Premier League this season. This makes him the second most productive player in Europe’s top five leagues when it comes to the statistics. It’s not a bad return, especially for a player who for years was labeled as not a ‘typical’ goalscoring forward.
Firmino has definitely bucked that trend this season by averaging 0.94 goal contributions in all competitions for Liverpool and scoring in decisive moments and against decisive opponents as well.
To make matters even more impressive, with a 63.2 per cent shot-on-target rate, Firmino has averaged the best percentage out of anyone in Europe’s top five leagues as well as per FBref.
For years, Liverpool had Divock Origi in the team as the club’s best finisher. Klopp could rely on the Belgian to come on and score the goal, but in Origi’s absence after leaving Anfield, it’s been the Brazilian who has stood up and delivered when it counted.
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Now it’s the Brazilian’s time to say goodbye as well. And it won’t be easy for Liverpool to replace his goal contributions or productivity. Virtually, no attacker has been able to be as effective when it comes to finishing and testing goalkeepers this season than Firmino.
How Liverpool even goes about replacing him is going to be a huge challenge ahead for Klopp. On paper, there is enough ammunition in the squad even without Firmino, but others will need to step up to make sure his absence isn’t felt as acutely.
Another option is the transfer market, but to find a player of Firmino’s ilk, the Reds would have to pay large sums, and considering there are more pressing priorities in midfield and defense, perhaps spending big money on another forward this summer would be too much of a luxury for a club of the Reds’ financial means.
It’s going to get some time to get used to it. But Liverpool has to continue living without Firmino in the club’s ranks. The Brazilian’s smile will be sorely missed at Anfield, not to mention his goals.
