---
title: "Fabinho heaps praise on “really smart” Firmino"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/fabinho-heaps-praise-on-really-smart-firmino/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2019-01-25T07:12:02Z"
modified: "2019-01-25T07:12:37Z"
---

# Fabinho heaps praise on “really smart” Firmino

Fabinho has lauded Roberto Firmino’s all-round abilities as a footballer.

Both Brazilians are key men at Anfield this season, although that has been the case for a few years now with the latter.

Firmino joined the Reds in the summer of 2015 and steadily improved as the months passed.

By the time last season come to an end, he had matured into one of Europe’s best forwards and that continues to be the case currently.

One of the things that stands out most with the 27-year-old is his versatility – he even went to right-back late on against Crystal Palace last weekend.

Fabinho told [Liverpoolfc.com](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/334348-fabinho-roberto-firmino-liverpool-interview) that he admires that aspect of his compatriot’s game greatly, as well as his intelligence:

![Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2019/01/1084960058.jpg)

> Firmino is a player who is really good at adapting to different positions. He is a No.9 but he helps a lot in build-up play.

> He is very important to the team in many stages of the game; he plays as if in the No.10 role or a No.8 role, he is a really smart guy who adapts to what the team needs.

> He is great at playing with his back to goal and, like I said, in build-up play and starting attacks.

> He helps a lot in general teamwork as well as being a top finisher. So, yes, he is a really important player for us.

Firmino and his Liverpool teammates have returned from a training camp in Dubai, primed for their assault on the Premier League title.

The Reds’ No.9 will hope to play another starring role when Leicester City visit Anfield next Wednesday.