Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino is becoming a ‘burden’ on Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, says Tony Cascarino

Roberto Firmino is becoming a burden on his Liverpool teammates Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, according to the former Premier League striker Tony Cascarino.

Firmino typically plays the most creative role of the three but usually chips in with several goals too. However he has not scored yet this season and has only scored one league goal since football restarted following lockdown. In contrast Salah and Mane are both up and running with six and four league goals respectively.

Writing in his column for The Times, Cascarino said: "It is only one goal in 20 Premier League matches now for Roberto Firmino as the Liverpool forward continues to struggle in front of goal.

“There was nothing particularly wrong with his all-round game against Everton — he linked the play well and was involved in the move for Liverpool’s opener — but his lack of productivity in front of goal is placing a huge burden on Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Should this goal drought continue, Firmino cannot afford the creative side of his game to slip."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp discussed Firmino’s form over the weekend and defended his striker.

KLopp said : “I don’t know when it becomes a problem for me…but it is not even close to becoming a problem.“These are the things where I have to be different to the outside world.

“I can’t judge moments, periods, like you judge them - for me what is important is how influential the player is, how he works for the team.”