Roberto Firmino Was the Best Player in Germany, Says Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has lauded attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino, describing the Brazilian as the best player in the Bundesliga during the coach's final months with Borussia Dortmund.

The Reds are currently in the eye of a storm after their forward lineup was decimated by injury. Klopp said on Tuesday he hopes the star signing from Hoffenheim can shine in his attack against Bournemouth in the Capital One Cup, as quoted by David Maddock of the Mirror: 

"

He’s a skilled player. I’d say a year ago for a few months for sure he was the best player in the Bundesliga.

From the first day everyone could see he can become a very, very good player... when I heard Liverpool took him, I thought 'good choice'.

He needed time when he came in but... he’s strong with the ball, physically strong, fast in a good football way, gets his body between opponent and ball.

So he is an important player for us and I hope he can play [on Wednesday].

"

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

Firmino arrived on Merseyside with a burgeoning reputation after a hugely successful spell in German football.

The attacker was one of the most creative players plying his trade in the Bundesliga, scoring 23 times and providing 21 assists in the past two seasons, according to WhoScored.com.

Klopp may now need to use the playmaker in the striker's role, with Daniel Sturridge, Christian Benteke and Danny Ings all out injured, per Maddock. Divock Origi has made three starts in seven days, forcing Klopp to review his options, pushing Firmino to the point of the attack. 

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

The Brazil international has struggled to make an impact after signing for Liverpool, but the installation of Klopp will likely make him one of the biggest benefactors of the coach's knowledge and stylistic qualities. 

The German manager also said he thinks Firmino has the game to play as a striker, having featured in the position for his country, per Maddock:

"

What kind of player is he? He is in the Brazil national team, and the last game I think he played as a nine, so he can play there. But usually he plays as an offensive midfielder or second striker. He can come in from the wing, he can play in the centre. He has quality and I think everyone recognises that.

"

Football writer Dave O'Connell believes Klopp's comments about Firmino are well timed, as he looks to get the best from the 24-year-old after a disappointing opening impact: 

PABLO PORCIUNCULA/Getty Images

As Angel Di Maria found at Manchester United, it can often be difficult for flair players from South American to settle in the physical environment of the Premier League, leading to a reduced output of creativity and statistics. 

Time is on Firmino's side, with Klopp always keen to develop his attacking contingent as he proved at Dortmund.

The Brazilian is similar to Japanese star Shinji Kagawa in their playing styles, and the former Manchester United attacking midfielder thrived whilst under Klopp's management at BVB.

The No. 10 scored 13 goals and provided eight assists as Dortmund became champions of Germany in 2011-12 for the second successive year, per WhoScored, providing the blueprint for Firmino's use at Liverpool.

Firmino can replicate Kagawa's success in the red shirt of Liverpool, as the German coach gives the forward the tools to perform at Anfield.