Liverpool may not have to look too far in order to find a replacement for Roberto Firmino next season.
That’s according to former Premier League striker Noel Whelan, who has backed Diogo Jota to take over the mantle left behind by the Brazilian number nine.
Although nobody has claimed Firmino’s time at Anfield is coming to an abrupt end necessarily, his failings in front of goal this term have led to questions as to whether Jurgen Klopp could enter the market this summer.
However, Whelan has told Football Insider that the Reds have already landed a ready-made solution in the shape of the man signed from Wolves last year.
Liverpool have already found their replacement for Firmino, it is Jota. He can do that job. He is more effective when it comes to goal involvements. He will get more goals and assists more than Firmino. Quite frankly, Jota is a better player than Firmino now.
The 46-year-old went on to say that the 45-cap ace’s goal return this season should be markedly better given the quality within Klopp’s side.
This term the Brazilian has scored just six goals in 42 appearances across all competitions – compared to 12 goals in 52 outings during the successful 2019/20 campaign.
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Whilst there’s little doubting Jota’s impact since arriving on Merseyside – albeit cruelly curtailed by injury – the Portuguese forward has all the attributes of a clinical winger as opposed to a focal point striker.
For that reason, it remains imperative Klopp signs a recognised frontman this summer, if not only just to give Liverpool an alternative option.
