5 reasons why Philippe Coutinho should stay at Liverpool

Liverpool must be feeling like 2014 all over again. Barcelona courted Luis Suarez the same way for a year like they are trying to lure Philippe Coutinho now. Despite signing a new contract in December of 2013, Suarez moved to Barcelona in the end.

The situation is similar with the Reds' number 10 at present. He signed a new contract this year yet Barcelona are willing to pay big money to sign him. The presence of country-mate Neymar was the primary source of speculation till this summer, given their history growing up playing together.

Moreover, it is a given that South Americans love playing in Spain, especially Barcelona. Therefore, there is an unwritten understanding from Liverpool's side that the Brazilian will move to Barcelona at some point in time. The only way he would stay longer is through winning trophies.

Thus, there was a general expectation that he will give the club one more year. This was until Neymar's mega-money move to Paris Saint-Germain broke out. While that deal is far from completion, Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit for the Liverpool talisman either to convince Neymar to stay or to replace him.

While Barcelona definitely has the lure and are in a better position than Liverpool, Coutinho will do well to stay at Anfield for a minimum of another year. Here are 5 reasons why he should do so.

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#1 He is happy at the club

Coutinho has reiterated that he is happy at the club

First and foremost, why should Coutinho think of a change of scenery when he is happy at the club? Normally, a player should consider moving to a new club when his and the club's goals are not aligned. Also, when a player no longer feels at home in the country due to multiple reasons as Suarez felt, then a move makes sense.

However, in the case of Coutinho, he has constantly reiterated that he is content in England. When asked regarding transfer speculation in May, he answered, "I'm happy to know that a great club has an interest, it's cool, for the recognition of my work, what I have to do is keep working hard. Liverpool is a great club and we have to put Liverpool back in the Champions League."

He played a key role in putting Liverpool back in Europe's top competition with top performances to end the season. Thus, he is happy at the club, recently signed a new contract to become the club's highest-paid player and the club is getting ready to compete on all fronts next season.

As a result, there is no reason for the Little Magician to make a move abroad.

#2 He can become a legend at Anfield

Coutinho has the chance to become a modern Liverpool legend

Philippe Coutinho is now in his 5th year at Merseyside, having signed from Inter Milan in January of 2013. The adulation for him has constantly been on the rise along with his increasing quality of performances. He has been the Kop's favourite player for more than two years now, ever since the departure of Suarez and retirement of Steven Gerrard.

At 25 years of age, the Liverpool no.10 is entering his peak years. O Magico is already the highest scoring and highest assisting Brazilian in the Premier League. His rise has been synonymous with Liverpool's under Klopp and there is perfect alignment at the moment.

In fact, Coutinho has every chance to become a legend for Liverpool if he leads the team to silverware. Further, he can become the best player in England if he continues to improve at this rate.

Jurgen Klopp put up exactly the same sales pitch when he convinced the Brazilian to sign a new contract this year. As per Coutinho, Klopp told him, "Stay here, and they will end up building a statue in your honour. Go somewhere else, to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich, to Real Madrid, and you will be just another player. Here you can be something more.”

To be remembered as a legend is a privilege many players do not enjoy and Coutinho should stay at Liverpool to do exactly that.

#3 The Klopp factor

Jurgen Klopp is building an exciting project at Liverpool

Barcelona as a club in itself is pretty lucrative, especially for South Americans. Playing with the likes of Lionel Messi, Iniesta, Neymar and Suarez is a definite dream come true. However, as a project, the Barcelona project is not at the same level as that of Jurgen Klopp's.

The Blaugrana have recently made Ernesto Valverde their new manager. He is expected to get them playing in the Barcelona way after the more direct football under Luis Enrique, using the skill of their front three MSN (Messi, Suarez, Neymar). The style was criticised last season and Valverde will be looking to change that.

Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp has already built a strong spine at Liverpool with Coutinho a key part of it. In his first full season at Anfield, Klopp led Liverpool into Champions League despite having only the sixth best squad in the league. Most of the players, including Coutinho, have improved rapidly under him and are at the peak age of 24-27 years.

Thus, Klopp has his side working as a well-oiled unit and his tactical brain has Liverpool rising quickly to get back to the top. Moreover, the coaching ability of Valverde is yet to be tested whereas Klopp is a proven coach and loves to develop attacking players.

This is a huge incentive for Coutinho, who is yet to become a finished product.

#4 No shadows over him

Coutinho is the main man at Anfield

One of the main reasons for Neymar wanting to leave Barcelona is to get away from the shadow of Messi. While there is no doubt that they share a great understanding, there is also a point that he will never be the main man as long as he plays with Messi.

The same situation applies for Coutinho as well. He will have to not only fight for playing time but also for recognition with the likes of Neymar, Messi and Suarez. Further, if Neymar stays, there will be constant comparison because of their history unless Coutinho changes his position.

However, at Liverpool, he is the no.10 and the main man for Klopp's Reds. There is no shadow of any player over him and he is free to carve his own destiny.

Moreover, there is no huge price tag over him to increase expectations. It would be the case if he moves to Barcelona as Liverpool will not sell for less. The absence of a release clause strengthens the English side's position further.

Thus, it makes more sense for Coutinho to stay at Liverpool and continue to be the talisman instead of having giant shadows over him at Barcelona.

#5 It is a World Cup year

The competition is tough in the Brazil national team

Everyone is aware of the talent pool Brazil always has, especially in offensive positions. Thus, it took a while for Coutinho to become a first-team regular. One can ask his Liverpool team-mate and no.9, Roberto Firmino, on the competition for places at Brazil as he is still in and out of the side.

Therefore, a switch to a club like Barcelona is risky with the World Cup looming in a year. His national team-mate Neymar plays in the exact same position as Coutinho's preferred one - the left wing. While Neymar leaving definitely gives Coutinho better first-team prospects at the Catalan club, there is no guarantee that Barcelona will not reinforce further in such a scenario.

Whereas at Liverpool, Coutinho is an assured starter when fit and can continue to maintain his form while improving his game. He can continue featuring for Brazil owing to the consistency and star in Russia next summer.

The presence of established superstars in Neymar, Iniesta and possible new signings Ousmane Dembele and Marco Verratti will lead to a tough competition. While there are good chances Coutinho will dominate the competition, the path to next year's World Cup is smoother at Merseyside.