BT Sport pundit Steven Gerrard says the contrast between West Ham forward Chicharito and Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino in the Hammers 4-1 defeat to the Reds on Saturday was glaring.
The Mexican international led the line against Jurgen Klopp’s side but former Liverpool captain Gerrard was not overly impressed by what he saw from the ex Manchester United striker:
“If you compare Firmino today with Javier Hernandez, it’s two completely different players. One doesn’t care, one doesn’t run, one’s lazy. The other one runs his socks off, starts all the presses off, fantastic first touch, makes things happen, is strong, he’s everything you want in a centre-forward.”
Chicharito had scored an important goal against Crystal Palace in the 2-2 draw a week earlier, but was restricted to few chances against the Reds at the London Stadium.
As a poacher, the 29 year old relies on service from team mates, and the lack of space afforded to him by a compact Liverpool defence meant the Mexican could not really make an impact.
It is probably an unfair comparison with Firmino who is not a traditional number 9, and has previously played in wider positions. Here is the Twitter reaction to Gerrard’s comments:
Sorry, but as I said before, Steven Gerrard is very ignorant. Chicharito always plays his heart out. Don’t say he’s lazy and doesn’t care.
— Adolfo Diaz (@BigBoss550) 5 November 2017
Gerrard talking pure nonsense. Chicharito plays for West Ham, Firmino plays for Liverpool…wtf?
— upright (@0nce_off) 5 November 2017
You are completely neutral Stevie? https://t.co/dL2FEzbRsC
— Sigurður Freyr (@sigfjon) 5 November 2017
Although some West Ham fans were in agreement with Gerrard when it came to the lack of heart and passion in the team:
Gerrard says no heart, passion or desire … been that way for months mate, this game is no different #changeneeded #WHUFC #WHULIV
— Sarah (@sarahmarie7182) 4 November 2017
This is absolutely spot on from Gerrard re: crowd / atmosphere. Desperately needs a character like him in the changing room. #whufc ⚒ pic.twitter.com/AdkkXUEKi3
— Lee Manser (@manse79) 5 November 2017
