Firmino: Scoring goals makes me happy!
Roberto Firmino believes his previous experience of being deployed as a central forward by Brazil has stood him in good stead for the challenge of doing the same for Liverpool - and he admits: 'Scoring goals makes me very happy!'
The No.11 has been regularly operating as the focal point of the Reds’ attack in recent weeks under Jürgen Klopp - and to good effect.
In return, Firmino has supplied five goals and four assists so far this season and impressed enough to be voted by supporters as the club’s Standard Chartered Player of the Month for January earlier this week.
“I have played there for the national team before as a striker and I’ve been getting used to the position,” the 24-year-old told Liverpoolfc.com.
“I enjoy playing as a forward but I am there to help the team and am happy as long as I am playing.
“It is another challenge, I am playing in this position and I am well prepared for it.”
In January alone, Firmino scored four times with braces against Arsenal and Norwich City, continuing his adjustment to life at Liverpool following last summer’s transfer from Hoffenheim.
And the attacker acknowledges he’s feeling much more settled in his new surroundings.
Firmino said: “When I arrived here I expected it to be much easier to settle, but the first and second month were somewhat difficult.
“But I can say that I am getting used to everything now and things are improving. And I am feeling more comfortable in the environment.”
He continued: “So far the best goal was [the second] against Arsenal. It is always a pleasure to score a goal and also create those for my teammates to score.
“It is difficult to explain what it is like to score a goal because it is an indescribable moment of happiness. Scoring goals makes me very happy.
“I believe in myself and I’ve also been helped by the whole team, we are developing and growing each day as a team.”
Firmino’s adjustment to life on Merseyside has been aided by the presence of countrymen Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Leiva.
The former of those two has resumed training at Melwood this week following a hamstring injury, and his compatriot is in no doubt his return will provide a timely boost.
“The whole team is ready to welcome him back with open arms, not only Philippe but all the injured players,” said Firmino.
“Coutinho is an excellent footballer and his arrival will help strengthen the team again and he will help the team to win games.”