Ronaldinho: I knew Firmino would be a Reds hit
Brazil legend Ronaldinho says he never doubted that Roberto Firmino would emerge as a key man for Liverpool this season and insists there is still more to come from his compatriot under Jürgen Klopp.
The 24-year-old, who joined the Reds from German outfit Hoffenheim in June, is enjoying his most productive spell for the club so far, having scored four goals in his last four appearances in all competitions.
Firmino's 20 Barclays Premier League outings this term have seen him net five times and clock up five assists, with his quality becoming increasingly evident as he continues to adapt to a new league week by week.
World Cup-winner Ronaldinho is not surprised to see his fellow Brazilian flourishing, and expects him to keep getting better with the guidance of 'one of the best coaches in the world'.
"I didn't ever question if he would be a great player for Liverpool, I knew that he would be," he said.
"He's one of the best at what he does in the world. He's in the same class as Ozil, Silva, Iniesta, and all the other great players who play that role.
"He's the player that I'm sure Klopp will build his new Liverpool team around.
"Klopp is one of the best coaches in the world, he will know that Liverpool need better players, he will know that Firmino will need better players around him to get the most out of his game.
"I'm sure when he joined Liverpool, Klopp was promised he could bring in his own players, and with Firmino at the centre of the team, there's no reason Liverpool cannot challenge once again."