Firmino fired up for Premier League debut
A friendly run-out at Swindon Town last weekend merely whetted Roberto Firmino’s appetite for an experience of Barclays Premier League football.
Liverpool’s new No.11 featured for 67 minutes at the County Ground on Sunday as a 2-1 victory to finish off pre-season was secured.
Christian Benteke rightly stole most of the subsequent headlines for a sensational chest-and-volley rocket on his own first Reds appearance.
But Firmino also offered early signs of the talent that made the Brazilian a much-acclaimed signing from German side Hoffenheim this summer.
“I was feeling very well in the first half but got a bit tired in the second half – which I think is normal given it was just my first game,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.
“I can’t wait to play my first Premier League game in the Liverpool shirt and I hope it all goes our way.”
The 23-year-old’s compatriot and now Anfield colleague, Philippe Coutinho, has been a supportive figure since Firmino arrived on Merseyside.
That help has allowed the Brazil international to settle quickly into different surroundings.
“It’s been great – I’m very happy to be at Liverpool,” he said of his first weeks with the club.
“Philippe has given me a warm welcome here and that’s a reciprocal sentiment. I’ll also try to help him to the best of my abilities.”