Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson says he 'can't see' Liverpool letting Roberto Firmino go as the Brazilian offers something completely different to the other forwards.
Firmino has seen his game time limited this season due to the rise of Diogo Jota and the arrival of Luis Diaz from Porto in January. Injuries have also played their part as the 30-year-old has had spells on the sidelines with hamstring and muscular problems.
Despite the challenges, Liverpool's no.9 has scored nine goals in 25 appearances for the Reds in all competitions this season. He was on the scoresheet against Arsenal midweek as Jurgen Klopp's side put themselves within one point of rivals Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
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Merson, who made over 360 appearances for the Gunners during his playing days, believes neither Jota or Diaz 'can do what Firmino does' for Liverpool.
"Roberto Firmino scored an important goal against Arsenal and there's been a lot of talk about his position in the Liverpool team in recent weeks, but I think he's a top-class player," he told Sportskeeda. "He's an important part of the team and links everything together, so I don't see Liverpool letting him go.
"In my opinion, he was the main cog in the front three with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, but he never got the credit he deserved. I don't think the likes of Diogo Jota or Luis Diaz can do what he does for the team, because they are different players.
"Individually, Jota will score more goals than Firmino, but in terms of the front three, the other two players will score a lot more when they play alongside the Brazilian. That's the way I see it - he's such an intelligent footballer."
Firmino is out of contract in 2023, as is Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. With little word on his future, the Spanish press has already linked him with a move to the likes of Barcelona.
