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The pair have been training together ahead of the Reds’ FA Cup clash with Everton tonight (7.55pm).
And Brazilian forward Firmino is excited about the skill set that the Dutch defender is bringing to Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
“He’s a really, really good defender,” the former Hoffenheim star said.
“It’s always really hard playing against him.
“It’s very hard, he marks very tightly and I just think he’s a really, really high-quality player.
“I think in addition to the fact he’s very physical, it’s his presence.
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“He’s tall, he’s very strong and that’s in addition to his innate ability”
Roberto Firmino
“He’s tall, he’s very strong and that’s in addition to his innate ability.”
Liverpool’s defence has been under scrutiny this season after occasional collapses.
They conceded three times in six minutes against Arsenal, but Firmino, 26, hopes Van Dijk’s arrival will see more defensive stability.
“I just hope he helps us as much as possible,” he added.
Virgil van Dijk trains with Liverpool ahead of Everton clash in FA Cup
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“I think like everybody else who comes in, they add something to the group and I hope that he can also do that and bring something to the team himself.
“I’m really looking forward to playing alongside him, of course.
“Obviously it’s great that he’s joined our team and now that he’s come with us of course I’ll welcome him in with open arms and I’ll look to make friends with him.”