10 Things Liverpool Fans Need To Know About Roberto Firmino

We need to re-analyse *that* video. Yes, Roberto Firmino missed an open goal from 10 yards but I ask you to look a little closer and admire the sheer beauty of the 23-year-old's technique as he side footed the ball into the stand. His head is beautifully positioned over the ball, his left leg is deliciously balanced giving him pinpoint balance and as he perfectly strikes the ball it's simply a travesty that the vacant goal doesn't levitate two metres higher allowing the ball to find its intended net-based home.

It takes a special player to be able to miss in style and that is exactly why Liverpool have paid £29 million for his services. Firmino started at the youth academy Clube de Regatas Brasil before signing for Brazilian Serie B side Figueirense. He made 38 appearances for Figueira - scoring eight times - before moving to Germany to sign for Bundesliga side, Hoffenheim.

Known for his ball-carrying ability and intelligent vision Firmino racked up seven goals and 10 assists in 38 games last season, helping Hoffenheim to a successful campaign that saw them finish just outside of European qualification.

Bundesliga football journalist Jonathan Harding believes the Brazilian must be played as a number 10 and isn't a direct like-for-like replacement for Raheem Sterling.

He told WhatCulture Sport: "Firmino has all the flair you would expect from a Brazilian, but the work ethic of a Bundesliga player. Liverpool fans should be very excited about him. He was rumoured to be joining them last year, but has worked hard in the last year to become a more efficient player. There is room to improve - he's only 23 - but I don't expect his bedding in period to be that long. He's got the physical attributes to handle the force of the Premier League. Quick feet, will embarrass opponents and can score. In the 13-14 season, he scored 22. For an attacking-midfielder that's almighty.

"It is a lot of money, there's no denying that. Hoffenheim will feel handsomely rewarded for the talent they nurtured and the fee may sit heavy on his shoulders, especially if he is slow to start. The media in the UK are far from forgiving. However, the young lad has a confident swagger about him, and that will likely work in his favour. Along with his work rate, Liverpool fans will take to their new man quickly."

Here at whatculture.com/sport we have looked into 10 things that all Liverpool fans need to know about their new signing...