Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp has been criticised for not utilising Christian Benteke, who is supposedly the only available striker in his squad. Klopp insisted that Roberto Firmino is as good as forward as any in response.
The latter is more known for his creative play, and flair on the ball. However, Klopp has been playing Firmino up front instead of the big Belgian striker, and came under criticism of late especially after the Brazilian missed a couple of sitters in the match against Manchester United.
Tthe German lashed out at critics who think that he should not be playing Firmino as a striker, saying that there are a lot of forwards who are not big and strong. “Everybody asked me, ‘What about Firmino, we need a real target striker?’ Roberto is a striker,” Klopp was quoted as saying by BT Sport [via Football365]. “A lot of strikers are 1.60m (5ft 3in). Leo Messi, what is he? He got two against Arsenal and he scored two again.”
“Having the option with Christian, that’s good. Against Norwich, I made this decision, said Klopp. “[But] Firmino can play and score goals and he is for us a good option to play with. He is flexible and at the moment in brilliant shape. He gets in the box and then something happens.”
Is this the end of Benteke’s Anfield career?
The big Belgian signed for Liverpool FC in 2015, but has not seen much action on the field under the stewardship of Klopp. Recent reports have also suggested that Liverpool FC might be looking to sell Benteke off this month in order to free up some cash to buy new players. While a January transfer may still look unlikely as the Reds do not really have much option since Daniel Sturridge is injured, Benteke seems to be on borrowed time at Anfield and could be on the move again in the summer of 2016.
