Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has hailed striker Roberto Firmino, saying the Brazilian made Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane the players they are today.
Thompson said Firmino is an inspiration to the players around him, adding that his fine touches and runs to set Mane and Salah up were key to their success.
Mane left Liverpool last summer, and Firmino is set to leave the club at the end of this season, while Salah will remain at Anfield after signing a new long-term deal at the start of the season.
Speaking to LFC TV, Thompson said: “I still think he has so much to offer. Bobby’s little touches were the things that made Sadio Mane made Mohamed Salah, and it was absolutely different.”
“I was so happy for him [scoring at the weekend]. I did mention once or twice last weekend that he has been my favourite player. He is just such a good player, and he is such an inspiration to everybody about how the game should be played.”