Roberto Firmino Eyes 'Neymar of Liverpool' Status, Talks Jurgen Klopp and More

Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has spoken of his desire to become the "Neymar of Liverpool" under manager Jurgen Klopp, whom he has also described as "a great person." 

Klopp's arrival at the Liverpool helm in October 2015 was the change Firmino needed to improve his performances at Anfield, and he told the Daily Mail's Dominic King just how highly he rates the German:

"

I played against his teams for four-and-a-half years. 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.

"

The former Hoffenheim attacker hasn't looked back since Klopp was appointed to the Reds helm, and he outlined the potential he feels he has under Klopp to King, via Bleacher Report UK:

Neymar is on the fast track to becoming arguably the greatest Brazilian ever to represent Barcelona, with 86 goals in 143 appearances for the Catalan club, per Transfermarkt—a record Firmino hopes to replicate for Liverpool.

Firmino is quick to assume responsibility for his own success, instead of relying on any manager, and it appears this trend has rung true throughout his career after he outlined his route to Merseyside:

"

This is my dream. I'm relaxed about being away from Brazil. I know after all this hard work, I will be compensated. When I knew of Liverpool's interest, I watched a lot of videos to see what I could expected. When they asked if I wanted to come, I did not think twice. I just said yes. There will be times to enjoy things in the future but now it is about work. I won't stop.

"

Hoffenheim was Firmino's first test in European football, a challenge he conquered before ex-Liverpool chief Brendan Rodgers brought him to England in June 2015, but Klopp has taken his game to new heights.

Squawka outlined the 24-year-old as one of Europe's best dribblers in the UEFA Europa League last season, and Firmino will be hoping to have his impact on continental competition again one day soon:

Firmino is finding his feet at the elite level and already has two goals to his name in four Premier League outings this term.

However, he wasn't always bagging goals on a weekly basis. He revealed to King that he started life out at the other end of the pitch: "I started out as a defender. I played as a full-back and then I moved into the centre. I played defence right the way through until the under-18s. Honestly!"

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Needless to say, moving into a more advanced position has paid dividends for the player, who finished his youth development with Brazilian outfit Figueirense before moving to Hoffenheim in 2011.

It's taken the South American little time to settle in as a Kop fan favourite, and Firmino has showed signs he reciprocates that affection with the Liverpool support:

Becoming the "Neymar of Liverpool" would be a tall order for any player, but Reds supporters would undoubtedly settle for the first Firmino of Anfield, having witnessed his stellar progress.

With a manager he counts among his friends and potential oozing from his play as of late, Liverpool fans can look forward to seeing what else their own Brazilian talisman can produce for the club.