What can Firmino offer Liverpool?

As we are now two weeks into the transfer window, rumours are flying around and deals are being made and one of the biggest transfer stories currently is Roberto Firmino to Liverpool or Manchester United but reports in recent days are suggesting that United have cooled their interest and Liverpool are pushing on to capture the Brazilian’s signature quickly. Reports also indicate that the Brazilian playmaker wants to move to the Premier League.

A Liverpool delegate has already been sent out to Chile according to the Liverpool Echo and there have been talks held with Firmino’s representatives over a potential transfer. Liverpool are hopeful of securing a deal between £25m and £30m for the 23-year-old which would be Liverpool’s second highest transfer fee after Andy Carroll for £35m in 2011.

What can Firmino offer Liverpool?

Well, he’s a versatile footballer who can play anywhere along the front three but his strongest position is behind the forward where he has played for most of the season however he can be deployed as a striker. Firmino is arguably Hoffenheim’s best player and scored 7 goals & claimed 10 assists last season. Very similar to Philippe Coutinho he is a player who likes to run with the ball at defenders and infiltrate gaps or spaces with deadly through-balls.

He could prove to be a very good replacement for the potential out-going Raheem Sterling – who could be joining City – and his link-up play with Brazilian team-mate Phillipe Coutinho could be fantastic for the Reds. With heavy rumours suggesting that Carlos Bacca could also be making a move to Liverpool, it could leave the Reds with a phenomenal South American trio up-top.

At Hoffenheim, Firmino has transformed into a goalscoring midfielder and week-in, week-out he has been devastating opposition defences with his forward-play. Brazilian manager Dunga has insisted that Firmino can play upfront and has done for Brazil so far in the Copa America.

He’s a rather unorthodox striker compared to somebody like Benteke but his all-round game will benefit Liverpool’s style of play more. Firmino is a player with great off-the-ball movement and dribbling and will certainly add goals – which Liverpool need – should the Reds decide to sign him.

He’s not the finished article yet but could follow in the footsteps of other South American players to play in the Premier League like Luis Suárez, Alexis Sanchez, Sergio Aguero, Philippe Coutinho. And as most of his South American compatriots, he’s a very technically-gifted footballer with great flair and footwork, averaging 4.3 dribbles per 90 minutes with only four Premier League players averaging more.

Firmino’s a player that suits Brendan Rodgers style of play and with the Reds’ boss having desire for players with high defensive and attacking work-rates, that is exactly what Firmino possesses. He is constantly chasing down the ball and his tenacity to win the ball back from the opposition makes him a likeable footballer.