Liverpool: Ryan Babel backs Roberto Firmino to bring joy to Anfield

Former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has backed Roberto Firmino to bring a lot of joy to Anfield.

The Brazil international was signed from Hoffenheim in June and will join the Reds' squad after his national side's exit from the 2015 Copa America in the quarter-final. He had an impressive 2014/15 season with the Bundesliga outfit, scoring seven goals and managing 10 assists in 33 league appearances.

Babel left Liverpool and joined Hoffenheim in 2011, where he played alongside Firmino. The former Reds man has also suggested what the South American attacker can offer to Brendan Rodgers' side next season.

"He is a tricky player. He can dribble, shoot, he has a great shot, he can play a lot of through balls and his assists are very good," Babel told Liverpool's official website.

"He is actually also great at heading, which maybe you wouldn't think because he's not that tall, but he's very good at it.

"He's the kind of player that likes the ball at his feet and to do nice things with it, but something he learned in Germany was how to work without the ball and defend. I know how important that is in England, what you do without the ball. It was something he had to learn in Germany."

"I'm very happy for him. He's very talented and now it is down to him. He is the kind of player that can give a lot of joy to Liverpool fans because he's a very skilful player," he added.

The 28-year-old Dutchman went on to hail Firmino's work ethic and believes the former Hoffenheim star's attitude will have a positive impact at Liverpool's dressing room.

"He is a positive player. He is very likeable, he is not arrogant, he has no attitude and is very relaxed. He's a good lad. In the beginning he will watch, learn and soak all of the information up. I think the Liverpool players will like him a lot and he'll make great friends there," the former Reds winger said.

"I've been following Hoffenheim and I've seen how well he's developed and he's got called up for the Brazilian national team. I'm very proud of him."