Benfica's former sports psychologist Evandro Mota has recalled working with Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.

The pair become close when Nunez sought Mota's help in 2020.

He recalled to Four Four Two: “When an athlete has the guts to admit he needs some help, it's so much easier to work with him.

“That's Darwin, a boy way ahead of his age who always kept an open mind and was willing to listen to the right people.

“When people are dealing with so much criticism, we suggest it's best if they isolate themselves from the environment that's doing them harm. Darwin is a kid who demands a lot for himself and realised the social media stuff would only bring him down.

“He had already overcome a lot in his life, and that episode has helped him become an even better professional. That's what makes him a real gem, not only in terms of technical quality, but also in terms of intelligence."

He continued: “It was a whole different culture for him (when he joined Benfica). I was impressed by him. He said something that I've never forgotten and immediately told head coach Jorge Jesus about.

“Darwin said, 'Look, I know I have a lot to learn and to keep gaining experience'. This from a 21-year-boy. I've been working with some of the best football talents for more than four decades – do you know how many times I've seen a youngster being this mature and humble at this age, even after fulfilling his dream of helping his parents buy a home? Very, very few times."