Earlier this week Liverpool confirmed that they have signed Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim. The deal is worth up to £29 million and they Brazil international has signed a five-year deal. However this does beg the question: Will Roberto Firmino Fit in At Liverpool?
Firmino is a very versatile player and he needs to be in order to fit into Liverpool's system. He is predominantly and attacking midfielder and was most effective in that position in the Bundesliga, but he played as a striker, a left winger, a left midfielder and a holding midfielder last season.
He is a creative player and a decent finisher, finding the back of the net 15 time last season and assisting his teammates 10 times.
Liverpool mostly played in two formations last season, 3-4-3 and 4-3-3. Assuming that Brendan Rodgers will stick to this, Firmino is either going to pay in a front three, a midfield of four or a midfield of three.
In a 3-4-3 two of the midfielders are wing backs and the other two positions are taken up by defensive minded central midfielders. I can't see Firmino playing either of these positions as he doesn't have the defensive qualities that Emre Can or James Milner may bring to he side. Because of this I feel that if Liverpool shape up this way then Firmino will be playing as player of the attacking trio, likely as one of the wingers.
If Liverpool used the 4-3-3 more this season it would play to Firmino's strengths a little more. He could play as an attacking midfielder, just behind the striker, which is arguably his best position. He could also play as part of a front three, which would give fan favourite Coutinho a chance to play alongside his Brazilian teammate.
So in answer to the question, yes, I d believe that Roberto Firmino could fit in at Liverpool if Brendan Rogers allows him to be a slightly more free flowing. He should be allowed to express himself they way he wants. He is a character who thrives when the fans get behind him but he can also sometimes get himself into trouble. Does this sound familiar? It's almost as if Rogers has signed Luis Suarez' Brazilian doppelganger. If Rodgers is willing to give the freedom to Firmino that he gave to Suarez the 'm sure he'll a success at Merseyside.
Source: DSG
