Liverpool's Sadio Mane offers fresh perspective on Roberto Firmino amid transfer calls

Sadio Mane claims under fire Liverpool team-mate Roberto Firmino deserves more credit than him or Mohamed Salah.

The Reds are in a poor run of form, winning just two of their last 11 in the league, with their attack being heavily criticised.

Virgil van Dijk's absence at the back has massively affect their season, but they remain heavily stocked in attack.

The Anfield hierarchy have been urged to bring in attacking reinforcements in an effort to revitalise their forward line.

Diogo Jota is missing through injury and there were calls for him to replace Firmino in the front line earlier this season.

Jurgen Klopp resisted those and underlined the importance of the Brazilian to his side.

Firmino's goal tally cannot match that of Mane or Salah but the Senegalese international insists he would not be as prolific without him.

Sadio Mane has heaped praise on Roberto Firmino (Action Images via Reuters)

"He deserves more credit than me and Mo, for sure," said Mane.

"But it is part of football, (people) always seeing the goals scored. But without Bobby, I don't see me and Mo score as many goals as we have, to be honest.

"He makes everything easier for us."

Firmino has scored six times this season, compared to Mane's 11 and Salah's 24.

The 29-year-old's role in the Liverpool attack has often been as provider with his work off the ball heavily praised.

And Mane has joked that is would be a "dream" for the Reds forward to play alongside him at international level.

Jurgen Klopp defended his striker earlier this season (PA)

He told ESPN Brazil : "Brazil are just lucky to have Firmino. I have always said to Bobby: 'you will have to change your nationality and come to Senegal!'

"For me, that would be a dream. I just love him. I think he is my favourite team-mate."

The Liverpool attack has only managed two goals in their last six games - a run in which they've failed to win.

Former Red Jamie Carragher has suggested that Klopp could tweak his attacking shape in an effort to rediscover their mojo.

"l do think there could be there could be a tweaking in the system," he told Sky Sports.

"Maybe a 4-2-3-1, bringing in an extra attacking player in because Liverpool are struggling to score goals."