Sami Hyypia had reservations about Liverpool star Roberto Firmino at first

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Anfield icon Sami Hyypia has revealed he wasn’t convinced about Liverpool favourite Roberto Firmino when the club signed him back in 2015.

The Reds forked out £29 million to prise him away from Hoffenheim while Brendan Rodgers was at the helm (BBC Sport).

Over the past five years, Firmino has become a firm favourite with the Liverpool faithful for his attitude, selflessness and, of course, quality ability.

The Brazilian is seen as one of the most important players in the starting XI, and the perfect complement to headline-grabbers Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.

He’s proven to be sensational business by the club, and Hyypia has admitted he actually had some reservations when he discovered he was set to join.

He said (Liverpool Echo): “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.”

TBR’s view – Firmino one of Liverpool’s best PL signings

Hyypia has admitted he wasn’t too sure, and there’ll be a few out there who felt the same way.

But Firmino has been utterly brilliant for the Reds and deserves to be considered among the likes of Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho, Virgil van Dijk, and Mane and Salah as one of the very best purchases the club have made during the Premier League era.

His transition from attacking midfielder to false nine under Jurgen Klopp has been amazing to watch, and the South American is surely heading for legendary status in the eyes of Kopites.