Liverpool forward Layton Stewart has detailed his impactful training ground chats with Roberto Firmino as the departing Brazilian prepares to leave a fitting legacy behind him.
Firmino, who signed for the Reds from Hoffenheim before the 2015/2016 season, has already announced his intention to take on a new challenge next term. In his eight years at Anfield, the popular striker has won it all with 109 goals and 79 assists to show from his 360 outings in all competitions.
It will be up to Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and the next generation - including Academy striker Stewart - to pick up the mantle from Firmino. And Stewart has already done his utmost to glean priceless information from him before the 31-year-old moves on.
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Stewart, 20, told GOAL: "I speak to Bobby [Firmino] a lot, actually. I absolutely love him.
"He messages me on Instagram after a game saying 'well done' and things like that, which means a lot to a young player. I had a photo shoot recently and he was messaging after it.
"We got on well over in Dubai. We were doing a lot of pressing drills and he's the king of it really, isn't he? I was always asking him for little tips and watching how he did it.
"He's changed the way a Liverpool No.9 plays - and that's something every young striker has to be aware of now. It's not just about the glory, scoring goals, you have to do the other side of the game as well. He's been the best in the business at it for years."
Stewart, who was born in Liverpool and progressed through the youth ranks with his boyhood club, made his senior debut for the Reds in September during their Carabao Cup third round game against League One opponents Derby County. He has also scored 11 goals in Premier League 2 this campaign.
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