- Roberto Firmino praises Jurgen Klopp for helping him develop at Liverpool
- Brazilian says he is ‘honoured’ to work with the German
- Firmino has been prominent figure since Klopp’s arrival on Merseyside
- SEE MORE: Klopp reveals who was behind genius Coutinho free-kick
Roberto Firmino tackling the gruelling task of adapting as a foreign striker in the Premier League has been aided by the presence of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
The Kop favourite has identified the German as an integral component to his relatively smooth transition from the Bundesliga to English football.
Firmino has been a prominent figure since Klopp’s arrival on Merseyside, consolidating a role as Liverpool’s centre-forward and spearheading the team’s notorious counterattacking approach.
The Brazilian has Klopp to thank for helping him evolve in every aspect of the game, and creating the ideal environment in which to improve.
“After he arrived everything improved a little. He’s an exceptional coach who I’m honoured to work with,” he told the Daily Express.
“As he has a German mentality, and he also played in Germany, he has helped me tactically and physically.”
“Our team has only improved in the two years since his arrival. We try to put what we learn into practice on the pitch.”
“He’s been very important for me because he helps me every day in training. He helps me by talking to me, too, and I’m learning a lot from him. He’s excellent off the field and during matches he gets very involved and very excited.”
“I think playing in Germany in the past has helped me with regards to understanding his methods.”
Though doubts continue to linger over Firmino as a long-term No.9, his value to Liverpool is now common knowledge amongst Reds.
He has been the frontrunner in implementing the high intensity pressing and selfless interchanging that has seen the Reds thrive as a counterattacking unit.
The grit and off-the-ball runs he offers may not always demand the spotlight, but more often than not always contribute to Liverpool’s most productive moments in the attacking third.
Firmino has established himself as the engine behind the team’s headline-making moments. The gloriously illusive central striker who can have an impact without being noticed.
He has taken strides towards diminishing criticism of his goal-scoring prowess this season, with his brace in Saturday’s 5-1 win at Brighton taking his tally to 11 across all competitions this campaign. And yet his conviction in front of goal still has room for improvement.