Liverpool: Roberto Firmino will thrive at Anfield says ex Hoffenheim teammate Heurelho Gomes

Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes believes his former Hoffenheim teammate Roberto Firmino has what it takes to be a hit at Liverpool but warns their fans "he will need time to adapt" to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old star was announced as the Liverpool's fifth signing of the summer after the club completed the additions of midfielder James Milner, striker Danny Ings, goalkeeper Adam Bogdan and promising defender Joe Gomez.

According to the BBC, Liverpool paid £29m ($45.5m) to the Bundesliga side to secure his services, making him the second most expensive signing in the club history – after the arrival of Andy Carroll from Newcastle United for £35m in 2011.

And Gomez, who played alongside the Brazilian during the second part of the 2013-14 campaign while on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, hails Liverpool's decision and backs Firmino to become a success at Anfield. But he admits the new signing will need time to settle.

"He's a talented player, I played with him at Hoffenheim for a few games. At that time he wasn't there yet but I could see that he was going to become a very good player," Gomes said to Sky Sports.

"I believe he is a very good signing for Liverpool and I think he is capable of doing very well in the Premier League. Of course, the Premier League is difficult, he will need time to adapt because he is still young but he has everything to do very well in the Premier League."

The Brazilian star made his name in the Bundesliga playing in a number 10 role but his versatility also allows him to feature on the flanks, while Brazil manager Carlos Dunga has even used him as a false number nine in a number of games.

With Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers having the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana, Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Mario Balotelli in his attacking ranks, it is still uncertain what the plans are for Firmino.

But Gomes believes the Liverpool boss should give his new signing the freedom to play behind the main striker to get the best from him.

"He's a quality player, he can hold the ball well, he can pass the ball very well," Gomez said. "I believe that number 10 is his best position, coming a little bit from the back because he has the quality to pass the ball and the quality to finish as well."