Former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher has revealed that Brazilian, Philippe Coutinho can play for any club in the world he chooses. The Sky television pundit, writing in his column for The Daily Mail, went on to give an eye-opening account about the Little Magician.
In his column, the defender has charted the growth of the former Inter Milan star. The Brazilian arrived in the winter of 2013 and has been a revelation at the Merseyside club. Starting his column by stating, “There used to be a time when I would roll my eyes. Philippe Coutinho’s name would be mentioned alongside a team such as Real Madrid but I never took it seriously.”
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However, the defender takes delight in the fact that how he has been proved wrong. He goes on to appreciate the Brazilian and credits his influence as one of the driving forces behind Liverpool’s early season form.
The attacking midfielder’s form has swayed the doubters, and in the eyes of Carragher, the Brazilian’s current form makes him eligible to represent any club in the world. The column also sheds light on the “golden age” of No.10’s, and how the Premier League offers the best on view every weekend.
Transformation not immediate
Carragher who represented Liverpool in over 500 games has seen the Brazilian bloom since his arrival at Anfield. Having arrived from Inter Milan for a £8.5 million fee, the Brazilian was still an unknown quantity at the time.
However, impressive performances helped him get the breakthrough and he brought the missing spark to a side which had been labouring under Rodgers the entire season. Subsequently, the Brazilians influence has grown as has his playing time. Such is the current form of Coutinho, that according to Carragher, the player can “fit in seamlessly and enhance the quality of any team he goes to”.
In fact, the defender pointed out, that in a recent interview, Brazil legend Ronaldo stated, “He would love to see Coutinho at Real Madrid”, a testament to the burgeoning reputation of the Brazilian. The defender did express his doubts about the player, especially when he was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year.
Since then, the Brazilian has shown a different level of maturity which led to the defender stating, “This is the season when I believe we will see that more and more. Gerrard and Suarez have gone and Coutinho is now the man. He is the reason Liverpool fans are going to Anfield, he has to be the one who takes on their mantle and carries Klopp’s team forward.”
The Sky Television pundit pointed out that the player still lacks the authoritative style that was present in former Liverpool midfielder and captain, Steven Gerrard. Citing the influence of Gerrard in big games, Carragher was of the view, that the “natural talent” present in the Brazilian should help him be a step above when it comes to dictating games in the same manner as Gerrard.
Klopp’s influence
Carragher also appreciated the influence of Klopp at Anfield. Klopp according to the former defender, has been instrumental in turning the mood of the club and how he doesn’t indulge luxury players. He went on to appreciate the work ethic of the German coach and how he encourages his players to run and press.
Klopp even explained the role of No. 10 to Carragher listing out the requirements. Carragher stated, “That position is the most intensive in the game and people do not realise the relentless demands that are asked of Coutinho. There is such an importance on the forward players to set the tone for winning the ball back.”
Carragher also attributed the influence of Brazilian player Lucas Leiva and Uruguayan, Luis Suarez for helping Coutinho settle in at the club.
Liverpool travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace and will look to pick up more points on the road and hopefully keep their place at the top of the table after this round of games.
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