EPL 2016-17: Roberto Firmino thinks he can be Liverpool's Neymar
Liverpool talisman Roberto Firmino says he hopes to become Liverpool’s Neymar. The Brazilian who played a big hand in Liverpool's 4-1 victory over Leicester has made this surprising revelation and also has shed light on his immense work rate, life in Germany, on Jurgen Klopp and David Luiz in a recent interview with The Daily Mail.
On becoming an integral player for the Reds, he said, " I know what he wants from a player. When I heard that he was coming to be Liverpool manager, I was so pleased. I could not have been happier. I knew what he was going to bring here.”
“He brought a style of work and play from Germany and the team has adapted to it. Our friendship is crystal clear. There is nothing behind it. He is a great person. If you do what he asks you to do, you will never let him down. Can he make me the Neymar of Liverpool? It all depends on me. "
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Firmino is learning English after arriving at Merseyside a season ago though he speaks with Klopp in German as the duo came face to face many times in Bundesliga. Klopp has been Firmino's admirer since long and finally got a chance to manage as the Brazilian can be said as a typical Klopp player.
On his manager, he said, " Our manager wants each of us to be like a runner. Don't stop. Never stop. Keep going. That is the way it is for him and that is the way I like to play. You always have to be in motion. "
Firmino has covered 46.9km this season as he looks all set to start against Chelsea today. He will be up against his old friend David Luiz who will make his debut for the Blues tonight.
On Luiz, Firmino quipped, " He's my amigo. I don't get the chance to see him in person a lot but I speak to him on WhatsApp whenever I can. I was a little bit surprised when he came back to England but he is a great player. I've not spoken to him this week but I'm looking forward to playing against him. "
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Firmino also revealed that he played as a full-back and also as a centre-back in his younger days which appears inconceivable looking at his skills, touches and finishing skills.
The 24-year-old is settling well in England as his personal life too, took a sweet turn recently as his wife, Larissa, gave birth to their second daughter, Bella, three weeks ago.