The Kopite View

Supporters Are Right To Be Excited About New Signing

On Wednesday morning Liverpool officially announced the imminent arrival of Brazilian Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim for a fee that could make the player Liverpool’s second-most expensive buy at over £28million.

The deal has excited the majority of the Liverpool support despite not many knowing too much about the Brazilian. But the fans are right to be positive about Liverpool’s big money signing after nothing up 49 goals in 153 games for Hoffenheim.

Firmino has already become a regular in Brazil’s national team and his pace and impressive dribbling ability combined with his ability to score goals from midfield will be an added bonus in a midfield that has struggled for goals in recent seasons.

The Brazilian has created more chances from open play than any other player in the Bundesliga and his ability to create chances will make Liverpool an attacking force alongside fellow Brazilian Coutinho.

Having watched video footage of Firmino I can’t help but be impressed with what I’ve seen with his ability to beat a defender and his eye for a defence-splitting pass, never mind his finishing.

Firmino is also not scared of a tackle and looks strong in the air and without putting too much pressure on the youngster, he reminds me of a certain Zinedine Zidane, and if he’s half as good as the great French Legend then Liverpool have signed a gem.

Clyne Can Sort Out Liverpool’s Right-Back Problems

The news that Southampton have accepted Liverpool’s offer of £12.5million for Nathaniel Clyne will be very pleasing for manager Brendan Rodgers who has found the right-back position a problem area for most of last season.

Southampton’s England international defender has been granted permission to discuss personal and expected to sign for the Reds subject to passing a medical when he returns form his holiday next week.

Rodgers tried many different players last season to fill the right-back berth, the Reds boss tried Lazar Markovic, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Jordon Ibe on the right after deciding loan player Manquillo wasn’t up to the demands of the Premier League, Emre Can was also played out of position on the right side of defence and hopefully he will now be used more in his more natural position in central midfield.

Long-term right-back Glen Johnson’s form has been poor the last couple of seasons and Rodgers probably knew for a while that the England international would be leaving in the summer after a breakdown in contract talks.

Clyne has been one of Southampton’s stand-out performers last season and his pace and energy to get forward but also defend will improve Liverpool’s right side of defence.

Clyne is a big improvement on Johnson and Liverpool supporters will be pleased to see the club sign a player that should rectify a problem position, instead of just signing a player to make up the numbers.