A little after a week from Roger Wittmann confirming that his client would be transferring to an English club, Liverpool confirmed they had agreed a deal with Hoffenheim for Roberto Firmino. The reported fee, with all the trimmings, would be the most expensive transfer in Bundesliga history, but the 23-year-old may just be worth the hype.?? Then a brace-clad teenager, he joined Hoffenheim at just 19 from Brazilian side Figueirense FC, and despite initially struggling with language barriers, his ascent to becoming one of the stars of the Bundesliga has been an alarming one.
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Hoffenheim, known for their quick tempo and 'we'll outscore you' approach, have provided the perfect platform for their Brazilian playmaker to flourish. And if it wasn't down to their inconsistency throughout the season, they may well have been in Europe, finishing just 4 points off of a Europa League spot. Their rise in the league has almost paralleled that of Firmino's, who impressively has directly contributed towards 36% of all of Hoffenheim's league goals in the past two seasons.
Impressive record
Only Thomas Muller (46) and Robert Lewandowski (48) have contributed towards more goals for their clubs than Firmino, with 44 in that time. That’s more than star players such as Arjen Robben, Marco Reus and Pierre- Emerick Aubayeyang, who have been playing for two of the strongest clubs in Europe in their own right. Liverpool fans will be hoping he can make a significant contribution to their side, struggling to find the net as much as they would've hoped, averaging just 1.3 goals per match in the league last season.
You only have to glance at Firmino's personal website to notice his extravagant personality, often dying his hair and wearing loud colours, and his public image certainly mirrors his flamboyancy on the pitch. His ability to glide past players with the occasional flick and trick, is unequivocally Brazilian, so it's little surprise that he has completed the most successful dribbles (287) in the league since 2013/14, 30 more than any other player.
Alongside his partner-in-crime, Kevin Volland, the duo were the heart of Markus Gisdol's Hoffenheim's side. Their pulsating bursts forward and one touch passes in the final 3rd are traits that led himself and Volland to create 37% of the team's total chances from open play last season. Only Wolfsburg star Kevin De Bruyne, has created more clear cut chances in the last 2 seasons in the league (34) than Firmino (31). In addition, Firmino has also made the most accurate through balls in that period (22), proving he has an eye for a penetrative pass and the ability to slice open defences, which will surely benefit the pace of Daniel Sturridge in behind the opposition backline.
Man who doesn’t shy away from responsibility
Firmino isn’t one to shy away from responsibility either - as soon as the number ten shirt became vacant at the Sinsheim club, Firmino made sure he was the first in line to take on a number that holds great significance for any Brazilian. At 21, Firmino even made his debut as captain, albeit in the temporary absence of former skipper Andreas Beck, scoring 6 goals in a friendly match against Ketsch eV.
Hoffenheim's defensive record was signalled out as a cause for improvement after conceding 70 goals in 2013/14, and Gisdol's side looked to defend from the front last time around. Indeed, Firmino made more tackles than any other attacking midfielder in Europe's top 5 leagues last season (81), which, given his attacking involvement, is quite the feat. Liverpool lacked the urgency in their press last season that proved to be so effective the season previous, and Firmino may well reignite this - although he has been singled out at times by Gisdol for occasionally losing focus when required to track back.
Firmino spoke of the heartbreak of missing out on the Seleção’s World Cup squad, but used this rejection as motivation towards another bounteous season for Hoffenheim. It’s a similar story to that of Liverpool's fans’ Player of the Season, and representative from the PFA Team of the Year, Philippe Coutinho. Both have since deservedly been called up to the international side by Dunga for the Copa America. Coutinho excited the masses with his effective dribbling and eye opening passes last season, and any potential partnership will be a mouth-watering prospect for Reds fans, who have already seen glimpses of this during Brazil's Copa America campaign.
The versatile player
As to whether Firmino will be Raheem Sterling's replacement is yet to be seen, but his versatility would have been a key determinant towards Liverpool's thinking. Usually given the freedom to roam the pitch, he has ability to play anywhere across the front 3, even making a handful of starts up front. Although both finished on the same goal tally in the league last season, Firmino looks a player more confident in front of goal, encapsulated by his no-look finish against Werder Bremen.
No stranger to the spectacular goal, his unconventional volley from outside the box in 2013/14 will certainly live long in the memory of Hoffenheim fans, who will be hoping their goal theme will continue to echo around the Wirsol Rhein-Neckar-Arena just as much following his departure.
Firmino might occasionally get outmuscled, but he has the tenacity to deal with it and in theory shouldn't struggle in the Premier League given its similarities to the Bundesliga. Firmino is known to over complicate things from time-to-time, which may frustrate fans, but with his influence on the ball, he should be given the benefit of the doubt.
It's a significant transfer for Liverpool, and one that shows great intent, especially after missing out on a number of top targets in previous windows. Firmino will be hoping to add a bit more samba and spice to the Merseysiders, who is not only a real coup for the club but an exciting addition to Premier League fans in general.
