Monday, 18th February, 2013
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he has tracked Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho for the last five years.
Rodgers swooped to snap up the talented 20-year-old from Inter during last month’s transfer window and he looked impressive on his full debut for the Reds in yesterday’s 5-0 victory over Swansea City, a game in which he scored.
The Liverpool boss cannot praise Coutinho enough and feels the Brazilian is a huge talent.
And the Northern Irishman has had much time to come to that conclusion, having tracked Coutinho since he was just 15 years old.
"He’s a very, very good young player. I saw him when he was 15 for Brazil and tracked his career since that", Rodgers told his club’s official site.
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"He went to Inter Milan and they bought him when he was 16, but went there at 18 and did very well getting into their team."
Rodgers also feels that Liverpool are lucky to have been able to sign Coutinho, such is the player’s ability.
"He was a player I really liked and we’re very fortunate to get him.
"He’s only 20, but he’s got wonderful technique and great power for a young player – you saw his shot yesterday.
"I think people were surprised because of how slight he is, but his technique is terrific and the power of the shot saw it end up go in. He’s a very, very gifted player."
Big things are clearly expected of Coutinho at Anfield and the early indications are that the attack-minded midfielder has the talent to deliver.
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