Sami Hyypia has admitted he didn’t think Roberto Firmino would be good enough for Liverpool when he first signed.

The Brazilian joined the Reds from Hoffenheim back in 2015 and he has gone on to become one of the most popular players of the Jurgen Klopp era.

Firmino has scored 74 goals in 225 appearances for Liverpool, proving to be worth every penny of the £29 million they paid for him, and more.

Speaking to beIN SPORTS, Reds legend Hyypia admits he had reservations about ‘Bobby’ to begin with:

When he was at Hoffenheim and I heard he was going to Liverpool, I wasn’t sure if he was going to make it.

But now he has developed. He’s one of the most-important players. I was surprised. I wasn’t sure about him, but now he is a different player.

Read Liverpool Verdict

In my opinion, Firmino remains one of Liverpool’s most important players – possibly even their most important when he is in full swing.

Although he leads the line for the Reds, he is so much more than just a generic striker.

His ability to drop deep, show clever movement, create chances and work hard for the team is unrivalled anywhere in the world, in my opinion.

Firmino may not be as clinical as the likes of Sergio Aguero and Robert Lewandowski – he hasn’t scored at Anfield yet this season – but I think he has more to his game and I don’t believe Klopp would change him for anyone.

He gets the very best out of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, allowing them space in behind and affording them the role of the relentless goalscoring heroes.

Is Firmino Liverpool's most important player?

Yes

No