Liverpool: 'Fresh competition' now driving £180k-a-week star on at Anfield

Liverpool star Roberto Firmino is attempting to prove to Jurgen Klopp that it will be difficult to replace him at Anfield despite fresh competition being drafted in, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Brazilian made the £29million switch from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim seven years ago, but there are serious doubts over whether he will be on Merseyside beyond the end of the campaign.

Although Firmino came off the bench and scored against Arsenal on Sunday, it was not enough to stop Liverpool falling to a 3-2 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

Having also found the back of the net twice and registered a further three assists during the 9-0 mauling of Bournemouth in August, the frontman has now racked up nine goal contributions in just seven Premier League outings.

But there are question marks over where Firmino’s long-term future lies as his £180,000-per-week contract is due to expire next summer.

The 55-cap Brazil international will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas suitors when he enters the final six months of his deal in January.

Serie A giants Juventus could reportedly pounce after failing with a £19million bid during the summer transfer window.

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Jones believes Firmino could be attempting to prove a point during the final months of his Liverpool contract as he wants to show he is still capable of producing the goods.

The journalist feels Reds boss Klopp’s decision to recruit fresh faces in the attacking third of the pitch has also spurred the 31-year-old on.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Maybe there’s something in it that he’s got fresh competition for his shirt, but he probably would have