Ronaldinho: Roberto Firmino to give Liverpool one of Europe's most exciting midfields

Liverpool announced on Wednesday that they would be signing Hoffenheim forward Firmino for £29 million pending the successful completion of a medical following the Copa America.

Firmino has had a hand in 44 Bundesliga goals over the past two seasons – only Bayern Munich stars Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Mueller have more – and Ronaldinho says his compatriot will light up English football too.

"For Liverpool to have Coutinho and Firmino is a big achievement for them," Ronaldinho is quoted as saying by The Mirror. "It is going to give them one of the most exciting midfields in Europe.

"The creativity, intelligence and goals they have between them can change Liverpool as a team. It is a big sign of intent. Those two in midfield 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 won’t score goals in any team. They will create so many chances."

This is probably the first time that James Milner has been told he is part of the "most exciting" anything, but Ronaldinho is right to highlight the hub of creative brilliance which Liverpool could rely upon next season. Coutinho has already proved himself in the Premier League and if Firmino can replicate his Hoffenheim form then Anfield regulars could be in for a treat next season. Whether it'll be enough to return them to the Champions League is another matter though.