S Poddar
Roberto Firmino is not having a good second season in the Saudi Pro League. The Brazilian forward spent eight seasons at Liverpool, winning the hearts of fans everywhere. He left Anfield on a free transfer in 2023, having spent a glittering career with Jurgen Klopp. However, so far, he has not managed to conjure up the magic at his new club, Al-Ahli.
Firmino was a highly publicized signing for Al-Ahli. He was given the captain’s armband as well, marking his experience and leadership status in the team. Yet last season was anything but spectacular with nine goals from him respectable. This season is very different altogether. Only three goals for him this far. Firmino has just not been able to be a goal-scorer this season. The slump in form has eerily coincided with Al-Ahli’s poor league performance currently, at eighth place.
Adding insult to injury, Al-Akhdoud drew 1-1 against Firmino’s side, with one of his former Premier League rivals, Riyad Mahrez, winning the game for his opponents. The terrible display by Firmino and his teammates earned him strict words from a former great of Al-Ahli, Hussein Abdulghani, who criticized the Brazilian’s captaincy of the team. According to him, it would be advisable to have Senegalese Edouard Mendy-a goalkeeper who injuried in the game-to lead the team.
As regards Abdulghani, one can praise the improvement after joining Al-Ahli, but initially, blame pointed to the pressure Firmino was under. Although eventually, Firmino was subbed in, it is later than Mendy in the 85th when being forced off because of his injury. It is thus all the more slight difference and hints that his performance would, in fact play a key role in deciding.
Next up is a wonderful chance for Firmino to redeem himself in the hands of Al-Ahli, which takes on yet another team connected to Liverpool, this time in the form of Al-Ittihad, under former teammate Steven Gerrard and featuring Fabinho in midfield. This one will keep Firmino in a huge pressure not just to silence his critics but also regain his goalscoring touch that made him a legend at Anfield.
