Fabio Aurelio became the first Brazilian player to don the red of Liverpool 15 years ago today - and he has been proved right in his prediction of paving the way for more Brazil influence at Anfield.
Since then the Reds have had seven Brazilians in their squads, not least now with the recent trophy-laden exploits of Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino.
The 41-year-old enjoyed 133 appearances across six years for Liverpool in what was a spell littered with niggling injury problems that thwarted his progression on Merseyside.
He did score four goals during his time at the club including two spectacular free-kicks against Chelsea in the Champions League and Manchester United during the 4-0 win at Old Trafford.
Speaking in 2020, Aurelio said: "It was the Premier League and I was looking forward to going, having been in La Liga. Rafa [Benitez] had confidence in me and opened that door.
"It was an amazing opportunity, especially after knowing that I was the first Brazilian to join the club.
"We changed a little bit the thinking of people about Brazilian players. Liverpool knew how to pick the right people.
"No doubts they are really happy with the three they have right now – not only outside the pitch, but on the pitch as well."
Lucas Leiva is also still fondly remembered in the red half of the city, while Diego Cavalieri's spell only last three years - and his goalkeeping compatriot, Alexander Doni, was forced into early retirement following cardiovascular disease.
Philippe Coutinho was another from South America who flourished at Anfield. He became an instrumental member of Jurgen Klopp's side during their evolution and established himself as a key player but he was soon prized away from the North West as he departed for a then-record £142m fee to Barcelona.
Marcelo Pitaluga became the latest South American to arrive on Merseyside, the 18-year-old will be looking to emulate his Alisson in the future but in the meantime, he will continue to eye furthering his development in Kirkby with the U18s and U23s.
Since his move in 2015, Firmino has become a vital member of the fearsome front three alongside Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
Aurelio, speaking in the year of his move, tipped the 29-year-old to be a success at the club following his switch from Hoffenheim.
It is fair to say he got it spot on.
Aurelio said: “[Firmino] is a good finisher and a clever player, he knows how to move well behind the lines and find good spaces behind defenders as well, to have clear options to score.
“But not only that, he can also give various assists to other players. So I think Liverpool have signed a very promising player that could improve a lot together with the club.
“In a few months his life has changed a lot because of the appearances with the national team and now a big club has signed him.
“It’s a moment for him to grow a lot in his career, it’s a great opportunity he has now.
“He is very young. He has shown that he has grown a lot in a very short period of time. He has a lot of experience now with the national team as well in international competitions.
“Obviously he’s joining Liverpool in a very different competition to what he is used to so it will only increase his potential and football experience. It will make him grow not only as a person but as a player.”
Firmino has gone on to prove Aurelio right with his instincts - and despite a somewhat below-par term last season, he looks set to continue to crop up with important goals for the Reds.
