Roberto Firmino is as good as Andres Iniesta and Mesut Ozil, says Ronaldinho

Brazil legend says his countryman must be the player Jurgen Klopp builds his new team around

Roberto Firmino (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is ‘in the same class’ as Andres Iniesta, Mesut Ozil and David Silva and is the man Jurgen Klopp must build his team around, says the Brazil international’s countryman, Ronaldinho.

Firmino joined Liverpool from Hoffenheim for £29m during the summer and, after initially struggling at Anfield, appears to be finding form with four goals in his last three games, including a world-class strike against Arsenal.

And World Cup-winner Ronaldinho says Firmino ranks alongside the very best players in the world. “I didn’t even ever question if he would be a great player for Liverpool – I knew that he would be,” Ronaldinho told the Daily Mirror.

“He is one of the best at what he does in the world. He is in the same class as Ozil, Silva, Iniesta and all the other great players who play that role.”

Klopp is likely to overhaul his squad during the summer and Ronaldinho says Firmino must be the focal point of his team next season. “He’s the player that I’m sure Klopp will build his new team around,” Ronaldinho said.

“Klopp is one of the best coaches in the world and he will know that Liverpool need better players. He will know that Firmino will need better players around him to get the most out of his game.

“I’m sure when he joined Liverpool Klopp was promised he could bring in his own players, and with Firmino at the centre of the team there is no reason why Liverpool cannot challenge again.”