The thing about Firmino - and this really is vital - is that his foundation, the base that he provides, is superb. When you say he's the first name on the sheet, that's likely right, and there's no way he'll be dropped for a sustained period of time.

The energy and the intelligence Firmino provides are among the best and most effective you will find, and form or confidence isn't likely to affect that. If he is fit he will run, and if he is motivated he will take up good positions. He is usually fit and always motivated.

But that doesn't necessarily mean he's playing really well. A false 9, at least this false 9, is there to pull markers, to provide the extra man, to lead the press, to open spaces in dangerous advanced areas, and Firmino's immense foundation allows that. But...

He is still a centre forward for (arguably) the most dangerous attacking outfit in world football.

19 big chances missed - huge. 9 created, not so much. An xG deficit of +7.6, also huge. 1.4 key passes per 90 puts him behind practically the entire first XI for chances created.

Is he there to create and score? Of course he is, he's in the middle of the most effective attacking trio in the world.

Yes, he provides much more than that, and yes he deserves a lot of praise for what he provides, but we cannot ignore what's right in front of us.

The idea that his sacrifice allows others to flourish is not true. Firmino doesn't sacrifice himself. He still finds himself in good positions to score. Salah and Mané create space too. He creates dangerous situations, but there is no reason he can't be a part of those situations

So, while Firmino is a fantastic player and a great character - and Jurgen definitely loves him, by the way - that doesn't excuse the fact that his bread and butter, those aspects we expect from any forward, haven't been up to par this season. And they usually are.

It is difficult to say he was bad against Palace because the whole team was out of this world, but when you sit him next to and compare with his teammates, it becomes apparent that his execution simply isn't there at the moment, and it hasn't been for much of this season.

To summarise: the foundation, the base ability, his standard - still sky-high. A brilliant player. The other aspects; the scoring, creation, touches, and decisions - they have been better.

There is a lot more to come from Roberto Firmino, and I can't wait for him to show it.