Liverpool superstar Roberto Firmino is now “past his prime”, according to The Athletic‘s James Pearce.
The Brazilian has been one of the poster boys of the Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield, leading the line in his own unique way and winning both the Champions League and Premier League.
Firmino has been a key man for Liverpool for five years now, but there are signs that he is past his best, having scored just six league goals this season.
Speaking in a YouTube Q&A on Wednesday, Pearce was brutally honest about the 29-year-old, saying his golden years are behind him:
What else you get from Firmino has dropped off as well in terms of how effective he is in matches.
That’s why there’s a spotlight on Firmino. Is not a case of scapegoating him, is just that he’s a player who I think now has gone past his prime.
Read Liverpool Verdict
Sadly, it does appear as though Firmino has peaked as a player, no longer having the same vast impact on the team, whether that be in terms of end product of work-rate off the ball.
He turns 30 this year and has a lot of football in his legs, so it may simply be a case of age catching up with him.
Firmino can continue to be an important player for Liverpool for years to come, but there now have to be questions marks about him being a regular starter, especially with Diogo Jota back from injury.
The hope is that the the Reds’ No.9 just needs a rest, returning to his absolute best next season, but he has dropped off for an extended period now.
