When Brendan Rodgers spent £8.5million on a Brazilian 20 year old, the question around Liverpool was simply: "Just who is Philippe Coutinho?"
You can get the full lowdown on the starlet in our exclusive Scouting Report.
At Anfield at the weekend, a puzzled Kop got the first indication that the talented young striker is in fact one of the most exciting and promising players of his generation in a country renowned for producing dazzling young talent.
The forward marked his full Reds debut with a brilliantly executed goal, some wonderfully audacious touches and a flash of genius when he very nearly capped a massively encouraging display with a cheeky back-heel second strike.
After taking some stick for the lack of impact of his signings, Liverpool boss Rodgers will be relieved his major investment has already hinted at a huge talent.
But according to fellow Brazilian Lucas, he needn't have worried, because Countinho is regarded as one of the brightest young stars even in a country full of them.
"There is no doubt he will be a great player for now and for the future of Liverpool - we could see good things from him," the Brazil international midfielder insisted.
"His reputation in Brazil is actually very high but he left home very early. He was only a boy. We could not see him playing in the first team in Brazil back then, because he had only played a few games.
"When he was at Inter, he didn't get the opportunities he thought he would get, but he still showed his promise.
"Here this is a new challenge for him. He has settled very well and it will help him that there are a few South American players here already. We will help him settle, and he could be important."
Incredibly, Inter paid a massive £4million for the star when he was JUST 16 years old, such was the excitement around his youthful promise.
He remained on loan with first club Vasco da Gama until his 18th birthday, and after forcing his way into the Brazilian club's first team, was finally moved to Italy to become, in the words of Inter president Massimo Moratti "the future of the club".
But he struggled to gain a consistent place at the San Siro, and was eventually loaned out to Espanyol in Spain to get more experience, where he scored five goals in 16 matches, and earned a call up to the full Brazilian national side, making his international debut against Iran.
And according to Rodgers, the 20 year old could light up the Premier League when he eventually settles into the pace of English football.
"He's only 20, but he's got wonderful technique and great power for a young player - you saw his shot yesterday," the manager explained.
"I think people were surprised because of how slight he is, but his technique is terrific and the power of the shot saw it end up going in. He's a very, very gifted player. I saw him when he was 15 for Brazil and tracked his career since that.
"He went to Inter Milan and they bought him when he was 16, but went there at 18 and did very well getting into their team. He was a player I really liked and we're very fortunate to get him."
According to Lucas, even training at Anfield has been a surprise for the young star, used as he is to the laid back approach in Brazil and Italy.
"I'm really happy for him. He is still adapting. I have been talking to him about the pace of the Premier League and even in training, he can feel it is much quicker than Italy," Lucas added.
"He will need time to settle - every single young player that comes to the Premier League finds it difficult when they first come and it is going to be the same for him. But we have already seen a lot of positive things from him. He has got the ability to do really well."
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