Former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has backed Roberto Firmino to be a resounding success at the club.

The Brazilian playmaker joined the Reds from Hoffenheim last month for a reported fee of £30m.

Babel, who played alongside the 23-year-old at Hoffenheim after he left Anfield in 2011, believes that Liverpool fans will be dazzled by the new signing.

"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," the Dutchman told the club's official website.

"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."

Liverpool start the new Premier League campaign with a trip to Stoke City on August 8.