Liverpool’s acquisition of Brazilian playmaker Roberto Firmino has been the talk of Merseyside in the past week and now former defender Fabio Aurelio had has his say on his countryman’s switch to Anfield.
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Firmino agreed to become the club’s fifth signing of the summer so far after putting pen-to-paper on a long-term contract in a deal worth a reported £29m [via BBC Sport].
The 23-year-old is set to join compatriots Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Leiva on Merseyside next season and Aurelio feels having a couple of familiar faces around will help Firmino to adapt to life in the Barclays Premier League.
“He is used to living in Europe having spent the last few years in Germany,” Aurelio told the club’s official website.
“So it won’t be that difficult for him because he’ll have the help of two Brazilians that are already there in the Liverpool squad. He is used to European football as well, so I believe that he will adapt very quickly,” he added.
Aurelio, who spent six years at Anfield, has also echoed the thoughts of many in the media and feels Firmino will prove to be a clever addition to Brendan Rodgers’ squad.
“He is a very promising player,” he continued.
“He has had quick progress in his career, especially in the past two years.”
“He is a good finisher and a clever player, he knows how to move well behind the lines and find good spaces behind defenders as well, to have clear options to score.”
“But not only that, he can also give various assists to other players. So I think Liverpool have signed a very promising player that could improve a lot together with the club,” Aurelio added.
Firmino could join up with the Reds for pre-season training earlier than expected after Brazil crashed out of the 2015 Copa America tournament on penalties to Paraguay in the quarter-finals. Although the player himself will no doubt be disappointed to be out of the competition, this could be a blessing for his club as they look to get him in top condition for the start of the new Premier League season.