Roberto Firmino found his feet at Liverpool only after the arrival of Jurgen Klopp. The Brazilian was an expensive signing during the Brendan Rodgers era but we are only seeing the best of him after our German manager decided to change his position in the side.
Firmino was often played out wide by Rodgers but Klopp has made him our lead striker and the Brazilian has become our first-choice centre-forward. The 26-year-old has become one of our best players and is often the first name on the team sheet. Firmino claims that it is Klopp’s influence that has allowed us to see the best of him.
Firmino was speaking to UOL Esporte and said:
“It’s difficult to define a specific reason for a good moment.
“I’m entering my third season for Liverpool and with each passing year I feel more comfortable, more at home, and this is very positive for me. Having the opportunity to work with Klopp was very good for my development.
“He is a manager who demands a lot, has a lot of experience and understands a lot about football.”
Firmino might not be the most prolific of attackers we have ever had, as he has scored 11 and 12 goals respectively in the last two campaigns. He has scored 7 times in 17 games so far and the Brazilian has also started in 16 of the 17 games he has played for us. He had a lot of praise for the German manager.
He added: “Klopp is a fantastic guy. He has that different way of celebrating the goals, he’s quite agitated, but he is an incredible person.
“Liverpool got it right when they brought him here and certainly this club growth in recent seasons goes right through him.
“I hope that at the end of the season we can celebrate a title together to celebrate this excellent work developed by him.”
While many have lauded Klopp’s tactical nous, at least on the attacking front, Firmino was quick to suggest that the German deserves a lot of credit for finding the best positions for our best players.
He said:“We have more players on the wings, like Mane and Salah, besides Philippe Coutinho, who plays a role of coming from behind.
“Klopp has been using this formation a lot and it worked. I hope the goals keep coming and Liverpool keep winning games.”
If there is one criticism of Firmino, it is the fact that he doesn’t score enough goals but given that he has been growing under Klopp, there is no doubt we are yet to see the best of the Brazilian star at Anfield.
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