'He's a star' - Firmino admits long-term admiration for Liverpool wonderkid Fabio Carvalho

• Carvalho has begun Anfield career strongly
• Firmino is a big fan of the youngster
• Pair could be in European action on Tuesday

WHAT HAPPENED? Firmino has spoken about his Liverpool teammate Carvalho, revealing that he was a fan of the player before he arrived at Anfield.

WHAT THEY SAID: “He’s a great player,” Firmino told the club's website. “I confess that I had watched some of his games before he came to Liverpool, so I was already impressed by the way he played. He’s a star, he’s a great player and now he’s also a very close friend. We are happy to have him here at Liverpool and I know he will help us a lot, with assists, goals and also his character on the pitch.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Although Liverpool have made a stuttering start to the season, Carvalho has impressed during his first month as a Red. The 20-year-old has already established himself as a first-team regular, netting twice in six Premier League appearances.

AND WHAT'S MORE: Carvalho also scored a dramatic, 98th-minute winner in his side's 2-1 victory over Newcastle, smashing home from close range following a goalmouth scramble.

STORY IN THREE PHOTOS:

Getty

Getty Images

WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL? Jurgen Klopp's side are next in action on Tuesday when they host Ajax in the Champions League. They will be hoping for a positive result after being embarassed 4-0 by Napoli in their group-stage opener.