Ronaldinho’s 2015 prediction about Roberto Firmino shows how far Liverpool star has come

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A look back at Ronaldinho’s comments on Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino.

Roberto Firmino signed a new contract at Liverpool at the weekend committing his future to the club until 2023.

He has scored 27 goals in all competitions for the Reds this season including a brace in last week’s Champions League semi-finals.

Firmino has thrived in a role as a central striker, a tactical masterstroke from manager Jurgen Klopp.

Firmino signed for Liverpool in 2015 from Hoffenheim when he was regarded as more of a playmaker.

The deal caught the attention of Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, who backed him for success for the Reds.

He told the Liverpool Echo: “It is going to give them one of the most exciting midfields in Europe.

“It is a big sign of intent. To have a midfield with those two gives them a big chance to qualify for the Champions League next season.

“It is a dream for the Liverpool strikers to have that sort of service. If you can’t score goals in a team with Coutinho and Firmino in midfield then you wont score goals in any team. They will create so many chances.”

So much has changed since for the Reds, not only their aspirations but Firmino’s role too.

Firmino is not the one supplying chances for a striker, but he is the one scoring the goals, along with Mohamed Salah.

Coutinho was sold in January and has become an afterthought for the Reds. His exit appears to be his loss.