Former Liverpool player and legend John Barnes has given his verdict on the competition for places in the forward positions in Jurgen Klopp's squad.

After the addition of Luis Diaz in January, Klopp has an embarrassment of riches available to him but speaking in his blog on bonusbetcodes.co.uk, Barnes believes that Roberto Firmino will still get the nod over the Colombian to partner Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in the big games.

“Despite the way Luis Díaz is playing, Roberto Firmino hasn’t slipped down the pecking order at Liverpool, at all.

“If Firmino is 100% fit, he’s likely to play in the biggest games ahead of Díaz, 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 Jürgen Klopp’s."

Barnes also believes it doesn't make sense to part with the flamboyant Brazilian who is out of contract in the summer of 2023.

“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 £80 million for him – so they shouldn’t sell him.”

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: Bruins strike first in Game 6 with incredible backhand goal
Dodgers make series of moves involving notable players
Giants rookie CF to undergo season-ending labrum surgery
Hurricanes not expected to re-sign defenseman, center
Paul Skenes makes incredible Wrigley Field history in second-career MLB start
Maple Leafs tab former Stanley Cup winner as new head coach
NFL insider expands on competition between Steelers QBs Russell Wilson, Justin Fields
NFL sets outrageous prices for Eagles-Packers Brazil game
Scottie Scheffler shoots improbable 66 after warming up for PGA Championship in a jail cell
Nuggets star has worrying comment about latest injury
Broncos 'very unlikely' to bring back former NFL interceptions leader
Greg Olsen offers broadcasting advice to Tom Brady
Yankees' Juan Soto reacts to Hal Steinbrenner contract talk
Mets star has theory about closer Edwin Diaz's recent struggles
Scottie Scheffler arrested, still makes PGA Championship tee time
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout

Want more Soccer news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.