Firmino's life changed in 30 minutes that set path for Liverpool

Behind every professional footballer lies a great journey, more often than not it is one of hardship and fortitude.

Roberto Firmino 's story is no different.

The Liverpool striker was born into an impoverished area of Brazil called Maceio, and like those around him, Firmino grew up on the dangerous streets of Trapiche obsessed with the game of football.

The sport became his passion and indeed his escape, and would later prove to be his passport out of his hometown.

During a trial at Figueirense in 2008, Firmino altered the course of his footballing fate in just half an hour.

Firmino had spent two weeks on trial in Sao Paulo but wasn't offered a place in the youth ranks there. Instead, it was the coaches in Santa Catarina who would recognise and reward Firmino's growing potential.

Former Under-17s coach with Figueirense, Hemerson Maria, recounted the dazzling 30-minute spell by which himself and his fellow coaches were convinced to sign up the teenager from Trapiche.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Maria explained: "Roberto arrived for a trial in the middle of 2008.

"Generally trials last a maximum of one month, but depending on the player it can be less: two weeks, 10 days, etc.

"Roberto's trial lasted only 30 minutes - he was exceptional. He practically did nothing wrong, showed immense technical quality, and to top it off scored two bicycle kicks.

"Afterwards, everyone was talking about him and I realised we had a very special player on our hands."

In 2009, Firmino would go on to make his senior debut with the Brazilian outfit who had taken a chance on him in the year prior.

It didn't take long for his eye-catching performances to earn him an illustrious move onto the European stage with Hoffenheim.

In 2015, he was snapped up seemingly out of nowhere by Liverpool for £29m.

In the last 12 months, Firmino has won the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup as well as the Copa America with Brazil.

The 28-year-old will likely lift the Premier League title in the coming months.

And the Reds will always be indebted to that half-an-hour and those who were able to spot the potential of the young prodigy.