By: Ryan Bode
Roberto Firmino
Old Team: 1899 Hoffenheim
New Team: Liverpool FC
Basic Demographics:
Roberto Firmino finalizes his move from the Bundesliga to the Premier League this week as Liverpool adds another striker. Firmino, 23 years-old, started out in the Brazilian league until 2010 until Hoffenheim bought him for only €3.5 million ($3.92 million). He made his national team debut for Brazil this past November and has scored four goals in nine caps for Brazil. Standing at 5’11’’, he can possibly fly through the air to score a goal, but mostly fans see him take on defenders dribbling and take shots.
What Was His Transfer Fee?
This was the one of the most expensive transfer that Liverpool has ever spent money. Although it looks expensive on book, the upside that Firmino brings to Liverpool is well worth the money. Liverpool got Firmino from Hoffenheim for € 40 million ($44.27 million), which is quite expensive for Liverpool. This move could be more of a long term investment for Liverpool since he is only 23 years-old and Hoffenheim capitalized on Liverpool. This could also turn out to be a waste of money for Liverpool if there is any stall in Firmino’s development.
What He Brings To Liverpool?
I sound like a broken record for how many strikers Liverpool has got going into this transfer window, but Liverpool lacked scoring all of last season. Firmino loves to ball hawk in the box for any team he plays for along with having a knack for finding the back of the net. He scored 10 goals in 33 appearances in the Bundesliga, which is good for a striker. Firmino is also going to bring consistency for Liverpool that wasn’t seen last year. Balotelli, Sturridge, and Lambert were all rotated in and out of the starting XI due poor play, injuries, etc. Liverpool did not have a consistent starting attack, which could have contributed to the lack of goal scoring from the strikers not getting consistent playing time. Firmino had 33 appearances out of 34 games for Hoffeneheim, showing that he has the endurance to keep playing at the highest level of competition.
What Are His Outlooks?
The Good
Firmino makes an appearance in every single game in Premier League play along with making appearances in tournaments as well. Firmino provides a consistent striker for Liverpool, along with showing flashes of brilliance on the field. Fans will see Firmino be taking on defenders one on one in the opponents third of the field and beating them more than 60-70% of the time. Firmino will also develop into a quick striker with a terrific first touch that he will beat defenders with. He will also develop into being one of the most dynamic young strikers in the game (next Aguero?). He will also be a staple in this Liverpool organization and rocket Liverpool into a possible return to Champions League. Firmino will get Liverpool at least into the Euro League.
The Bad
Roberto Firmino still is healthy enough to play all season long for Firmino, but the return of Balotelli, Ings, Sturridge, and maybe even Lambert on top creates a conflict of playing time for Firmino. Firmino would look like to be the odd man out of the rotation, making Liverpool putting him up for loan. Liverpool has invested a lot of money in Firmino and wants him to develop. With limited playing time at Liverpool available, Firmino will not develop as quickly as Liverpool would like him to develop. The loan away of Firmino allows him to develop and get playing time while still being under Liverpool control in the near future.
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