That is the verdict of former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Townsend.
Firmino has scored 13 goals in all competitions for Liverpool this season, providing five assists.
But the Brazilian has not always played as the main striker under Jurgen Klopp.
Mohamed Salah, who spent the majority of his first season at Anfield on the right of a front three, has often played in a central role.
That means Firmino has had to play slightly deeper.
Townsend believes the 27-year-old took time to adjust to the position and has found it difficult switching between there and being the main number nine.
However, the pundit thinks manager Klopp looks for more than just goals from Firmino.
“It’s almost like he sacrificed Firmino a little bit, Klopp,” Townsend said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“He dropped him deeper and he put Salah as the nine to try and keep him amongst the goals and also to keep opponents guessing a little bit.
“Because Firmino can do that, I think it maybe took him a little while when he was playing a little bit deeper.
“All of a sudden now he’s asked to go up there and play a little bit further forward and try and come up with the numbers.
“I think Jurgen Klopp looks beyond Firmino for numbers.”
Meanwhile, former Middlesbrough midfielder Robbie Mustoe believes Mohamed Salah must rediscover his goalscoring touch if Liverpool are to win the Premier League this season.
“They need him to start scoring,” Mustoe said on NBC Sports.
“He’s got to start scoring goals or they’re going to struggle to win this title.
“They’re going to need his goals at some point.”