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Roberto Firmino's ­incredible talent was first spotted by a DENTIST.

The man Liverpool have signed in a £29million deal from German club Hoffenheim is expected to push the Reds back towards the top four.

But as the Brazilian playmaker attempts to chew up Premier League defenders with his array of dribbling and passing skills, it can be revealed that it took the faith of a local dental surgeon to kick him on to stardom.

Firmino had been struggling to find anyone to believe in him until Marcellus Portella took the teen ­sensation under his wing. Portella was the dentist at local side Clube de Regatas Brasil.

And after closely monitoring 15-year-old Firmino’s skills, the medical man decided he could not let the ability go to waste.

(Image: AFP/Getty)

Portella revealed: “When I saw him play for the first time, I could see that he was a very talented player.

“But no one was interested in him. When I said that one day he would represent the national team, they told me I was crazy.”

Portella had uncovered a gem, and after being given the nod to become Firmino’s representative, he sought trials for the exciting kid.

Firmino ended up at ­Figueirense, no doubt helped by the fact he had scored two ­overhead kicks within an hour of his first trial session.

But he was such a shy lad that he even failed to correct a coach when he called him by the wrong name – Alberto – for his first two weeks at the club!

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Still, Firmino was beginning to realise he could lead his family to a better life.

On occasions as a child he had helped sell coconuts on the beach to make cash – but by 2011 he had earned a move to Europe, and money was no longer a worry.

His family moved across the world with him, as Hoffenheim put faith in the dazzling ­youngster. He repaid them with assists and goals at will.

In his last 66 matches with Hoffenheim, he played a key role in 45 goals. It is no wonder the big boys from the Premier League came knocking.

From the streets of Maceio – one of Brazil’s most dangerous cities – he is now preparing for life on Merseyside.

And the only weapon he has needed to guide him is a magical right foot.

Firmino is an international star – just as his dentist/agent told him he would be. Portella still guides Firmino’s career and the player made a debut for Brazil in November.

Firmino revealed: “When I found out I was called up, I let out a huge scream! I ran around with joy.”

He already has a record of four goals from nine Brazil appearances.

Philippe Coutinho helped convince Firmino to make the switch to Anfield.

With those two pulling the strings next season, Liverpool will certainly not be able to complain about a lack of chances being created.