---
title: "James Pearce urges Liverpool to sign alternative to Roberto Firmino"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/james-pearce-urges-liverpool-to-sign-alternative-to-roberto-firmino/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-02-22T15:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-02-22T15:00:00Z"
---

# James Pearce urges Liverpool to sign alternative to Roberto Firmino

Liverpool ‘need to buy’ a new striker to replace Roberto Firmino this summer, according to *[The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/2398868/2021/02/22/liverpool-need-to-buy-a-new-no-9/?source=emp_shared_article)*‘s James Pearce.

The 29-year-old is completely off the boil this season, scoring just [six Premier League goals](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/96182/Show/Roberto-Firmino) – just one his last 14 appearances, in all competitions – and struggling in his all-round game.

Firmino was again ineffective in Saturday’s 2-0 loss at home to Everton, fluffing his lines horribly with one shot that flew into the Kop end.

Pearce has described the Brazilian as a ‘spluttering’ influence on this Liverpool team, adding that the Reds ‘need someone capable of running in behind and getting on the end of crosses’.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

Pearce is spot on in his assessment, with Firmino genuinely looking like a weak-link these days.

That is a painful admission, considering what a great player he has been for Liverpool, but he is such a focal point that his shortcomings are affecting the entire team.

Firmino can still be an excellent squad player for years to come, but his time as a key starter every week appear to be coming to an end.

He has been off-the-boil for too long now, and while fatigue is clearly playing a part – he also looks to be struggling more than most without fans to entertain – he simply looks past his best.