Liverpool legend Barnes urges his former side to keep ‘very important’ forward at the club

Liverpool legend John Barnes has urged his former side to keep Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino at the club despite his lack of game time.

Firmino had been a major part of Liverpool famous front three alongside Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah that helped Liverpool win their sixth Champions League title in 2019 and first Premier League title in 2020.

50 stats to separate Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League title race

However, the signing of Diogo Jota in the summer of 2020 and form of Luis Diaz since his January move has seen Firmino’s minutes reduce.

He has been linked with a move away from the club and is out of contract next summer but Liverpool icon Barnes believes his former side should keep hold of the forward.

Barnes said: “Despite the way Luis Diaz is playing, Roberto Firmino hasn’t slipped down the pecking order at all.” (quotes via talkSPORT)

“If Firmino is 100% fit, he’s likely to play in the biggest games ahead of Diaz, but he’s just been injured recently.

“He’s very important to Liverpool, he is one of my favourite players and he’s certainly one of Jurgen Klopp’s.

“If Liverpool cashed in on him this summer and others got injured, then what would they do? He’s a valuable member of the team and squad.

“At his age, they aren’t going to get £80million for him – so they shouldn’t sell him.”

Meanwhile, Clarence Seedorf has praised Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, claiming he is the best place to win trophies. 

“Il Forno was the home of Carlo Ancelotti during his period as coach at Everton, and many Liverpool players stay here regularly as well. However, I did not hear the name of Virgil van Dijk among the staff. Was that a coincidence?

“Maybe he comes here sometimes, but the captain of Orange is mainly