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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed that Brazillian Roberto Firmino was the best player in Bundesliga at one stage last season, according to This Is Anfield. Firmino is yet to kick-start his career at Anfield ever since he arrived from Germany’s Hoffenheim during the summer.
Around this time last season, the German coach and the Brazil international were managing/playing in the same league but not for the same side. Klopp was the head coach of Borussia Dortmund while Firmino was a key player in the Hoffenheim squad.
A year on from last season, both individuals are now working together in the same football club. Klopp’s ‘ break from football’ was cut short following the sacking of Brendan Rodgers and he was instantly offered the managerial role at Anfield, to which he accepted calling it a ‘new challenge’.
On the other hand, the former Hoffenheim midfielder arrived at Liverpool during the summer for a reported fee of £29 million, but he is yet to impress the Anfield faithful with his flair and creativity up front. Firmino, so far this season has made just 3 starts in 9 appearances in all competitions.
The 24-year-old is yet to start for the Reds under the newly appointed manager, but ahead of Wednesday’s League Cup fourth-round match against AFC Bournemouth at Anfield, Firmino is expected to lead Merseyside Red’s attacking line in the absence of strikers Danny Ings, Daniel Sturridge and Christian Benteke.
Klopp has admitted that he is wary of Firmino’s abilities when he played in the Bundesliga – praising the attacking midfielder as Bundesliga’s best player for few months last season and he believes the Brazillian could be a key figure in his side for the rest of the season.
“He's a skilled player. I'd say a year ago for a few months for sure he was the best player in the Bundesliga." Klopp said.
“From the first day everyone could see he can become a very, very good player... when I heard Liverpool took him, I thought 'good choice.”
“He needed time when he came in but... he's strong with the ball, physically strong, fast in a good football way, gets his body between opponent and ball”
“So he is an important player for us and I hope he can play tomorrow.”
Firmino can play as offensive midfielder or second striker: Klopp
The aforementioned players Sturridge and Benteke are out with injuries and they have been ruled out for Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures by the manager. In the absence of the attacking duo, Divock Origi has filled the void and has already made three starts in seven days.
Keeping this in mind, the former Dortmund manager will be wary of Origi’s fitness level and the lack of attacking options up front. He has admitted that he may consider deploying Firmino as a striker against Bournemouth.
“What kind of player is he? He is in the Brazil national team, and the last game I think he played as a nine, so he can play there,” he added.
“But usually he plays as an offensive midfielder or second striker.”
“He can come in from the wing, he can play in the centre. He has quality and I think everyone recognises that.”
