After a stalemate at Goodison Park against Everton, Liverpool fans were frustrated by the predictable attack of the Anfield club. Mohamed Salah missed two glorious opportunities up front, derby hero Divock Origi had an awful game while Sadio Mane was not able to continue his goal-scoring form against the Toffees. The 0-0 draw was Liverpool’s third draw in their last four games. With the first-team attackers not firing consistently, the likes of Origi and Daniel Sturridge have also failed to make any positive impact on the club’s attack.
In the absence of Roberto Firmino, both Origi and Sturridge have been below-par in their performances that have damaged the club’s title hopes this season. With both these strikers likely to leave the club at the end of the season, Jurgen Klopp must bring in some good attacking reinforcements to add to the team’s quality upfront.
Jurgen Klopp Must Go After Joelinton
Player Profile: Joelinton
Hoffenheim’s Joelinton would be the perfect player for the German manager. The 22-year-old, who has been dubbed as the ‘next Bobby Firmino’, has arguably been the German club’s best player this season. He has scored seven and assisted five in 23 Bundesliga appearances this campaign.
On several occasions, he has played the role of a catalyst in setting up Hoffenheim’s goals. The Brazilian has been a huge threat for Bundesliga defences up front. His movement off the ball makes him a really difficult player to mark.
Just like Firmino, the Hoffenheim striker is good at holding on to the ball. He possesses very strong dribbling and passing skills that makes him a threat from any position on the pitch. The youngster is very similar to Liverpool’s Brazilian when it comes to defensive contributions. He likes to track back and tackle for the ball.
Averaging 1.5 interceptions every game, he is one of the hardest working players on the pitch. Taking advantage of his long height, the striker is extremely good when it comes to dealing with aerial duels.
Perfect For Klopp?
For Klopp, having another Firmino in the team would be massive. The 27-year-old has been Liverpool’s most underrated attacker for the last couple of years. The deputy strikers have not been able to perform well while playing in the Brazilian’s role in his absence. They have not been able to maintain the intensity that Brazilian brings to the side, but with Joelinton, Klopp would have a perfect deputy for Liverpool’s Brazilian. The 22-year-old attacker can help the club’s attack maintain its intensity in Firmino’s absence. With the quality that Joelinton brings, he can also start in the number nine role at Liverpool with Firmino playing just behind him.
Having effectively two Firmino’s on the same side would make it very difficult for the opposition in terms of the added pressing and defensive contributions which Joelinton would bring along with Liverpool’s number nine. For Joelinton, moving to Liverpool would be the perfect step for his career. He has got the ability to play for a top European club.
The Premier League’s intensity would help the 22-year-old showcase his talent at the very top level. Leaving Hoffenheim for Liverpool, he can follow the footsteps of the Reds’ number nine who left the German club and has been an invaluable asset at Anfield.
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