I first met Stevie in 1992 at Liverpool’s training ground when we were emerging through the club’s youth ranks, looking to impress the academy coaches as well as each other.
In those days there was no standing on ceremony when judging the talent. The Liverpool coaches quite openly put the best players in the same team and, as we were considered two of the brightest prospects, we would always be paired.
You knew quickly you were playing alongside someone special. There was not an instant moment of realisation, as such. There never is with footballers.
People assume you have noticed a particular pass or a shot slammed into the top corner from 25 yards, stood back in awe and thought ‘how good is he?’
It is much more subtle than that. You identify the first touch, the balance and movement, speed of thought and natural technique of a player more than the moment of individual brilliance.
With me, I would make a forward run and this tiny lad in midfield – believe it or not I was bigger than Stevie in those days – would just keep delivering the ball into my path. That was how it was with Stevie and me for the next 20 years for Liverpool or England. No one created more goals for me.