Liverpool might look like they need to make a transfer swoop for Erling Haaland “on paper” but their current centre-forward is underrated, reckons a Premier League star.
Norwegian international wonderkid Haaland is one of European football’s hottest properties having averaged around a goal a game for the past two seasons.
The 20-year-old has netted 47 goals in 48 games for Borussia Dortmund since joining the German side in January 2020 from Red Bull Salzburg where he struck 29 times in 27 outings.
Haaland’s prolific form has prompted him to be linked to a clutch of the continent’s biggest clubs – including Liverpool – with the goals having dried up for Jurgen Klopp’s fabled front three in recent times.
The Reds have failed to score from open play at Anfield since the turn of the calendar year, having gone from being 68 games unbeaten at home to a club record six consecutive defeats on their own turf.
Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend believes that while the potential recruitment of a hotshot like Haaland might seem obvious, the issue is not so straightforward.
HITC quote him as telling Stadium Astro: “On paper it looks like Liverpool do need a Haaland on the stats sheet, they’re missing a goalscorer.
“But I think Firmino goes very much under the radar, he’s very underrated.
“People tend not to see his work rate both offensively and defensively and how he brings others into play. That’s partly why Salah and Mane get the goals they do.
“On paper Haaland does look the obvious solution, but when you get them on the pitch it’s difficult as they need the cohesion.”
