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Jurgen Klopp believes the exciting rise of Roberto Firmino should act as a warning not to judge Liverpool signings too soon.

The Brazilian attacker initially struggled to make an impression following his £29million move from Hoffenheim last summer.

Firmino needed 14 games to get off the mark but under Klopp’s guidance he has blossomed.

Sunday’s strike against Watford was his 11th goal of the campaign in all competitions.

He has been involved in more Premier League goals this season than any other Liverpool player with 10 goals and seven assists.

Klopp knew he had inherited a special talent when he took over at Anfield last October.

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“It wasn’t a surprise to me when I heard people questioning him. That’s how it is in Germany too,” Klopp told the ECHO.

“You don’t watch too much German football. You get a player from Hoffenheim in Germany and everyone thought: ‘oh, a nice signing Liverpool’.

“But not many people here knew him because he wasn’t from Bayern, he wasn’t from Dortmund.

“I knew about Roberto. When I heard that Liverpool had signed him I thought: ‘how have they done this?’

“Now with Roberto you can see the confidence in his work. All the players are more confident than before because they’ve had more time working together.

“We’ve had an intense time but it’s been a good time together. We know a lot more about each other.

“Watford was the team’s 60th game of the season – that’s unbelievable. For me, it’s only been 49.

“What we can learn from Roberto’s situation going forward when it comes to next season’s signings is wait to make judgements. Don’t be too quick to judge players.”