Jordan Henderson happily admits that he knew little of the qualities of Roberto Firmino when the attacker made the switch to Liverpool from Hoffenheim last summer.

But the No.11's recent form has left the captain in no doubt that the Reds have a player on their hands, and he expects even more from his teammate in the coming months.

Firmino was again at the heart of a strong performance from Jürgen Klopp's team on Thursday evening, teeing up Nathaniel Clyne to win a penalty and getting on the scoresheet himself as Manchester United were defeated 2-0 at Anfield in the Europa League.

The Brazilian has become a key figure for Liverpool since the turn of the year, allying regular goals and assists to the workrate that quickly endeared him to fans following his move to the club.

And Henderson has been suitably impressed by the efforts of a player who he believes can only get better.

"Being completely honest, I had seen very little of him before he arrived here from the Bundesliga last year," the skipper admitted in the latest edition of LFC's official magazine.

"Naturally, he needed some time to settle in but he’s been brilliant for us, especially over the last few months. 

"He’s a very, very good player with a lot of skill who also works extremely hard for the team. He’s provided goals and I think he’s much more robust than people realise, he’s quite wiry. 

"Now it’s about him continuing to grow and get even better."

Thursday's impressive win over United was the latest high point under Klopp since the German was appointed boss back in October.

Henderson is predicting a bright future for the club with the former Borussia Dortmund coach at the helm.

LFCTV GO subscribers can watch highlights of Firmino v Man Utd above

"I think first and foremost he brings a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm to the team and the club. You can see that on the pitch," he added.

"He smiles a lot – except for when we don’t play well, obviously. Already I think he’s had a big influence on all of us and I’m certain that the longer we work with him the better we’ll become as a team. 

"Tactically, he’s very good. We do stuff on the training field that I see us taking into game situations and that’s pleasing. It will take time, though. The more we train with him, the more he’ll be able to put his own stamp on things. 

"I think you’ve seen glimpses of what he is trying to do in certain games this season. Showing that for 90 minutes on a regular basis is the next step and what we are all looking to do. 

"From just a few months of him being here I think he can help us to win trophies, which is what everybody associated with the club wants."