Can Roberto Firmino capture enthrall Anfield crowds?

Liverpool fans will be watching the club’s most recent recruit Roberto Firmino, currently on duty with Brazil at the 2015 Copa America, with eager eyes, having seemingly staved-off competition from the likes of bitter rivals Manchester United to land their man.

Reportedly snaffled for around £29m, what can the Reds expect from their newest addition to the Anfield attack? Brendan Rodgers clearly values versatility in his forwards, and Firmino, who is able to operate anywhere across attacking midfield or as a false nine, can certainly provide that. Liverpool (5/2 with Coral for a top four finish) have acquired much more than a luxury utility player, though.

While no slouch when it comes to speed, the nine-capped Brazil international, who has an impressive strike rate of four goals from those games to date, relies much more on his intelligence, movement and tricky feet to take on defences. Following a campaign where Rodgers’ Reds were often painfully predictable going forward, Firmino’s vision and artistry should have fans on their feet, in a similar way to a certain Uruguayan.

Also a hard-worker and never one to shirk a challenge, Firmino’s rise from Brazilian minnows Figueirense to the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim, owes as much to an impressive mentality as raw talent, and he can now link up with compatriot Philippe Coutinho on Merseyside, so the Reds will not go wanting for guile.

Though Rodgers has added a new striker in Danny Ings to his roster, and is hoping to welcome back sidelined Daniel Sturridge in the autumn, Firmino has proven he can lead the line in an unorthodox style which will likely appeal to Rodgers’ tinkering tendencies, and will have been snared for his finishing as well as his ability to act as foil and provider.

With the aggression of Ings up top and directness of Jordan Ibe down the wing, plus the thoughtful play of Adam Lallana, Firmino’s flair and explosiveness will complement what now looks to be an attacking force with bite.