• Premier League

Gerrard expects big things from Coutinho

ESPN staff
March 14, 2013
Philippe Coutinho has impressed Brendan Rodgers since joining Liverpool in January © PA Photos
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Steven Gerrard insists January recruit Philippe Coutinho will show his full potential next season, despite the midfielder already proving successful in the Liverpool attack.

Coutinho, 20, was a standout for Liverpool in the 3-2 defeat of Tottenham last weekend but was withdrawn by Brendan Rodgers just ten minutes into the second half.

Gerrard believes the Brazilian's impact in just over 200 minutes on the pitch is a sign that he will be a major influence for Liverpool next season as he improves his match fitness.

"He's got moments of magical brilliance," Gerrard said. "I think you'll see the best of him next season when he gets a full pre-season under his belt and gets used to the speed of the game.

"What he has shown for 55 or 60 minutes is that he's a top player and he belongs in a Liverpool shirt. If we can get that for 90 minutes from him next season then he's going to be a great asset for us."

Defender Jose Enrique echoed Gerrard's sentiments, claiming Coutinho has filled the missing link in Liverpool's attack.

"The numbers speak for themselves: in four games he has two assists and one goal so I hope he will continue like this scoring goal and making assists," Enrique said. "He is the type of a player, as a big team, you have to have.

"He can create from nothing in a one versus one. He is playing really well right now and he is the type of player we need. Defenders are important but you need people who can score goals and we have now."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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