'Sterling has the world at his feet'
Of Liverpool's 12 representatives at the World Cup in Brazil this summer, Dietmar Hamann is most excited about the potential impact Raheem Sterling could have on the tournament.
The 19-year-old was scintillating, clinical and creative throughout the second half of last season, evolving into a focal point of the Reds' unexpected Barclays Premier League title challenge.
His blistering pace, close control, vision and decision-making combined to frighten defences across the country, and he impressed from a variety of positions too, both wide and central.
Roy Hodgson decided that Sterling's displays were worthy of a place in his 23-man England squad for the summer, and then selected the forward to start their opener against Italy on Saturday.
Again he was effective, threading passes and providing an out ball for his team, while the entire nation believed he had scored on three minutes when a rasping drive flew into the side-netting.
The praise directed his way was endless after the final whistle, and Hamann, the former Reds midfielder who played in the 2002 World Cup final, is a keen admirer.
Asked which Liverpool player he expects to impress in Brazil the most, the German responded: "I think it will be the player who impressed me most last season - Raheem Sterling. The kid has got the world at his feet."
Hamann also reserved words of appreciation for Jordan Henderson, another member of the considerable Anfield contingent with the Three Lions in South America.
"He did ever so well last season, he came on a lot," the 2005 Champions League winner said of the Reds' No.14. "He added goals and his all-round play was superb."