Rodgers: Coutinho is crucial

Brendan Rodgers says Philippe Coutinho is a 'wonderful player' who is crucial to Liverpool's plans heading forward.

Phillipe Coutinho: Has made a welcome return to action after shaking off shoulde

The diminutive Brazilian playmaker has been a revelation at Anfield following his January arrival from Inter Milan.

He hit the ground running last term, making light of a change in scenery and a change in pace from Serie A to the Premier League.


So impressive has Coutinho been during his short time in England, he is now considered a key cog in the Liverpool machine - providing added creativity in the attacking department alongside Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez.

He made a welcome return to action after six weeks on the sidelines with a shoulder injury during Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Arsenal, and Rodgers is hoping to see more of the Samba star after easing him back into the fold.
The Reds boss told the Liverpool Echo: "We brought Coutinho on and he made the field a little bit narrower whilst allowing us to maintain the two up front. And he was terrific when he came on.

"He's a wonderful player and we would've loved to have started him, but he's only come back into the fold and got the medical clearance in the last couple of days. But his introduction gave us the opportunity to control the game more with the ball.

"He's a wonderful player and a big talent for around £8million. He is remarkable - his feet, his talent and his ability on the ball."