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Roberto Firmino has offered his thoughts on Liverpool's revamped attack, expressing confidence that his former team will soon discover its optimal rhythm.
The Reds undertook a significant squad transformation during the summer as they embarked upon a spending spree following their Premier League title triumph. Liverpool secured eight new senior players and shattered the British transfer record on two occasions as the Merseyside club acquired Florian Wirtz for £116 million ($152.4 million) and Alexander Isak for £125 million ($164.2 million).
Additionally, the Reds captured Hugo Ekitike to strengthen Arne Slot's offense. Firmino joined Liverpool during its previous period of such intense transfer activity, with the Brazilian arriving at the Reds in a move from Hoffenheim during the summer of 2015.
He was among three forwards recruited that summer, alongside Christian Benteke and Danny Ings, as Liverpool welcomed seven new senior players to its squad.
Having witnessed Ekitike make a comparable transition from the Bundesliga to Anfield, Firmino has endorsed the Frenchman to develop further following what has been an impressive beginning to his Liverpool journey, as he commented on the Reds' acquisition of both the 23-year-old and Isak.
"They've already proved that they're top-class players," he said. "I didn't know Ekitike before he joined Frankfurt. "He's already shown his potential with goals and performances and seems to have a lot of desire to become a historic player for the club.
"I wish them both the best. It's only the beginning of their time at Liverpool. Yes, of course (I still follow Liverpool). They had a good start to the season, now they've suffered a drop in performance.
"But I'm sure they'll soon be back with everything they've got to compete for all the trophies."
Firmino netted 111 goals and provided 72 assists across 362 matches during his eight-year stint at Anfield.
The Brazilian claimed every major trophy available with the Reds and became a modern-day legend, forming part of their renowned front three alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane under Jurgen Klopp.
The 34-year-old maintains contact with both former colleagues. Having witnessed Klopp step down from management after departing Liverpool during the summer of 2024, he suspects the German will eventually return to coaching - though declined to speculate about a potential Anfield comeback following his ex-boss's recent remarks on the Diary of a CEO podcast.
"Those were incredible years alongside them," he revealed to Flashscore. "We were part of a winning team for the eight years I was there, and we built a beautiful history. We speak from time to time. I'm very grateful to have played alongside these two stars.
"He (Klopp) was the best manager I've ever had. The memories I still have are incredible. I'm grateful to have worked alongside him. I learnt a lot from him, and I think I was able to repay him for what he expected of me.
"I think he's taking a break, I think he's going to go back to coaching a club. Whether it's Liverpool, only he can say."
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