Can Roberto Firmino finally realise his dream at Liverpool?

Roberto Firmino controls games with flair and an endearing arrogance that saw him crowned 2013-14 Bundesliga breakthrough player of the season. His pin up boy appearance and instinctive style of play has drawn up many direct comparisons with Brazil’s current great hope Neymar Jr who seems to carry the weight of the country on his […]
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sambafoot_admin
2015-09-02 16:00:00

Roberto Firmino controls games with flair and an endearing arrogance that saw him crowned 2013-14 Bundesliga breakthrough player of the season. His pin up boy appearance and instinctive style of play has drawn up many direct comparisons with Brazil’s current great hope Neymar Jr who seems to carry the weight of the country on his robust shoulders – the 2014 World Cup seemed to magnify this intensity to irretrievable levels.  

However, this is really where the comparisons stop for both players as each took contrasting routes to the top. The 23 year old Firmino has found himself donning the famous red of Liverpool after a four year stint at the provincial 1899 Hoffenheim undertaking his apprenticeship in the German village of Sinsheim in Baden-Württemburg. This is an unusual route for any precocious and highly talented Brazilian youth, who usually gets sold for big money to Europe before the age of 20, see current Brazil crop Lucas Moura or Oscar for example.

Albeit going down a path untrodden before means the Maceio born man can be the trailblazer for a new generation looking to make an unconventional route to the summit. Brendan Rodgers spoke very highly of his new man who said; “He is really bright on the ball, has got wonderful technique and has got the ability to want to get forward and score a goal.”

So far this campaign Firmino has made fleeting appearances in the first four games of the season, coming back late after his Copa America exploits meant he didn’t come into the first team picture until a bit later. Nonetheless making his first start against Arsenal at the Emirates during the 0-0 draw in August should give the young Brazilian the taste for more and hopefully provide the performances that got many people in Germany lauding over him. His captain at Hoffeinheim Andreas Beck who was a big fan  praised his rapid rise of form as ‘outstanding’ as they began to build their team around him.  

Firmino recently revealed whilst playing for Figeuirense in his native Brazil that he had a premonition that he would eventually arrive in the Premier League. He outlined his lofty ambitions to liverpoolfc.com with trophies firmly in the forefront of his mind. German football expert Rafa Honigstein admitted his extraordinary potential but had reservations he could do it for a top four club in England. We may not see the very best of Firmino this season as Liverpool look to fine tune their big squad, but the Kop and fans of the underdog will be hoping to see the 23 year old showing some of the form that drew him so many admirers in Germany. 

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