Luis Garcia calls for patience with Roberto Firmino

The £29m arrival from Hoffenheim is yet to score or assist for his new club, but Garcia believes the Brazilian worldwide will come good.

Although he is capable of operating as a central striker if required, Firmino’s chances of featuring regularly up front for Liverpool are rather slim at present, with fellow new arrival Christian Benteke having established himself as the first choice striker at the club.

Liverpool were beaten 3-0 by West Ham in their last Premier League outing to dampen the early-season optimism that had built after picking up seven points from three games.

‘As a footballer I always want more, ‘ he said.

Given the burden of his price tag, though, as soon as a meaningful contribution has been made by the Brazilian, the easier it will be to kick on in his Liverpool career.

Firmino, who spent four-and-a-half seasons at Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, will be expected to be the creative fulcrum for the Reds in their clash against Manchester United when the Premier League resumes its course following the ongoing global break, as Coutinho is out suspended. So the next step was to join a club that can compete for trophies, that’s why I came here.

“He’s a player that wants to do things to change games, like Coutinho does at the moment”, Garcia added.

“It’s quite curious that back home – even if you are left-footed – it is considered lucky to enter the pitch with your right foot”.

“A lot of Brazilians are very superstitious, especially footballers”, Firmino explained.