Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted Roberto Firmino will be one of many players to commit their long-term future to the club.
The Brazilian signed an improved five-year contract on Sunday, whilst new deals for Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah are likely to follow as the club look to secure their top talent.
Despite Salah's sensational goalscoring record during his debut season at the club, Firmino has arguably been the most important player for Klopp's system. The 26-year-old has therefore been rewarded with a contract believed to be £180,000 a week.
“This is one very important step, absolutely,” Klopp said.
“But even Roberto cannot play alone. We need to carry on in this way.
“In the moment every player knows about our plans. He's the first [to commit], but for sure he won't be the last.”
Firmino has scored 27 goals in all competitions this campaign, but his intense, yet clever, pressing and all-round game has been more integral to the side.
“This constant discussion about whether he's under-valued or whatever in public, this never happened for one second either in the club or in the team,” added the Reds boss ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg against Roma.
“He knows and appreciates absolutely this club. The other boys really respect him for all the work he's doing.
“He feels completely comfortable and is planning for the long term here.
“That's becoming rare because if you are not Barcelona or not Real Madrid then there's usually another club somewhere you can go to.
“It's really good news for us. He's absolutely a big factor in our future.
“He's a footballer, from his head to his toes.
“He enjoys playing football and he's not bothered about hard work, which is another important thing.
“Because Milly didn't play the last game from the start, Roberto had the highest distance covered. For an offensive player that is pretty rare in world football.
“I often think that, because he doesn't give himself a rest, I have to do it from time to time. That's all good and how football should be.
“You play it because you have the opportunity to make your mates better and they help you to become the best player you can be. It's as simple as that.
“I am happy to have Roberto around—he's just a good boy in the dressing room. It's perfect news.”