After years of being wasted on unworthy players (Andrei Voronin, anyone?) Liverpool FC's coveted number ten shirt - made famous by the club legends like Terry McDermott and John Barnes - is now back where it belongs: on the back of a truly talented and skilful player, namely Brazilian maestro Philip Coutinho, who seems to have the ability to maintain the shirt's exciting tradition.
With two assists against Wigan last night, the Brazilian gave fans another glimpse of what's to come over the next few years, and the 20-year old is well aware of the importance of the number ten shirt. He told The Guardian:
"In Brazil the one who wears 10 constructs the attacks. That is what I will try to do here. The number I have at Liverpool does not give me any added pressure. The pressure I have is to play well and do my best for the team"
“My idols are Kaka and Ronaldinho, who play in the same position. I will try to be the typical Brazilian, but my preference will be to become known by my own name.”
Kaka and Ronaldinho? If Coutinho can emulate those two then Liverpool fans will be happy :-)
Analysing the Wigan game for ESPN, Reds legend John Barnes was full of praise for Coutinho. He enthused:
"Coutinho impressed me a lot today. We’re always looking for Steven Gerrard and Suarez to create. Sterling’s a good dribbler, Downing’s a good dribbler, but Coutinho has the eye for a pass. Great play from him, and fantastic passes for the goals"
Coutinho is looking like a great buy at the moment. One goal and two assists in his first two games is a great return so far, and it's only one goal less than what Raheem Sterling has produced in over 35 games this season. The Brazilian concluded:
"Hopefully I will have a long career at Liverpool. That is what I am hoping for but it all depends on many things."
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
With two assists against Wigan last night, the Brazilian gave fans another glimpse of what's to come over the next few years, and the 20-year old is well aware of the importance of the number ten shirt. He told The Guardian:
"In Brazil the one who wears 10 constructs the attacks. That is what I will try to do here. The number I have at Liverpool does not give me any added pressure. The pressure I have is to play well and do my best for the team"
“My idols are Kaka and Ronaldinho, who play in the same position. I will try to be the typical Brazilian, but my preference will be to become known by my own name.”
Kaka and Ronaldinho? If Coutinho can emulate those two then Liverpool fans will be happy :-)
Analysing the Wigan game for ESPN, Reds legend John Barnes was full of praise for Coutinho. He enthused:
"Coutinho impressed me a lot today. We’re always looking for Steven Gerrard and Suarez to create. Sterling’s a good dribbler, Downing’s a good dribbler, but Coutinho has the eye for a pass. Great play from him, and fantastic passes for the goals"
Coutinho is looking like a great buy at the moment. One goal and two assists in his first two games is a great return so far, and it's only one goal less than what Raheem Sterling has produced in over 35 games this season. The Brazilian concluded:
"Hopefully I will have a long career at Liverpool. That is what I am hoping for but it all depends on many things."
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
no pressure there then jaimie,two games and your trying to build him up to be the next pele,lol
ReplyDeleteI knew he would be a good player if he settled, he got great feet, can play in different positions, Rodgers has brought in well in January, hopefully it continues :)
ReplyDeleteLet's hope he doesn't burn out like these two.
ReplyDeleteOr better yet, let's hope that he does but we sell him to Chelsea at a premium just before anyone realises.
juz like his tag "Critical Realism About LFC". So Jamie will be so critical eventhough juz for 2 games. Then if he flop in 3rd game, he must be turn n spin something to make it 'critical'. For those who want to point out this thing, he will at last throw them back to look for other blog. :)
ReplyDelete3 assists and 1 goal in two games, what a start indeed.
ReplyDeleteLFC will need a few more players like Coutinho, he seems to have a clear picture in his head then executes it with precision and style.
ReplyDeleteI Hope he has many more years delivering the goods, with Kaka and Ronoldinho as his idols means he sets his standards very high, that's good news... for Liverpool FC !!!
Anyone heard about Honda supposedly signing a pre-contract with Liverpool?????....................coming on a free in the summer?????
ReplyDeleteWell, that is the article just below this one on this site, so, yeah...
ReplyDeleteSterling has scored twice, Coutinho once.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, to paraphrase and edit Massimo Moratti "Coutinho is the future of Liverpool"
Very intelligent player, slight but swift, very skillful and not afraid to get stuck in. I can't wait to see how many goals he sets up for Suarez & Sturridge and how many he can score himself.
yes heard it from a man in the pub whos ex wife used to go out with a bloke whos mam used to work at a chippy were one of the customers used to go out with a lass whos uncle had a dog who bit a cat that told him it was true
ReplyDeleteI'm quite pleased with Coutinho so far, in fact both he and Sturridge. Hopefully their quick starts at LFC will be maintained. A front three of Coutinho/Sturridge/Suarez is an enviable set-up. Or, Sterling/Sturridge/Suarez with Coutinho sitting just behind would also stretch a defense, though Sterling is still a bit green to be starting every week, IMO.
ReplyDeleteMore smart transfer shopping by BR like these January purchases will make the summer's questionable dealings easier to overlook.
Almost no chance. Honda play at central position and that position already has many players to cover for unless BR sell downing and choose to play him as winger. Otherwise I don't see this transfer is going to happen.
ReplyDeleteDid you read the article? He has played well so far, he has the ability no denying that. Coutinho said himself above " The pressure I have is to perform well & do my best for the team." Where is it written he is going to be the next Pele in the article? All it said was he is wearing a number which has a rich history of players being successful for Liverpool. Also do take into account the highest assist maker in the PL this season is Steven Gerrard along with 4 others (matta, rooney, walcott & podolski) have 9 assists. Coutinho has 2 and a goal... erm no brainer he has gotten off to a flyer. The issue is if he can maintain that consistency and not fade away. Yes players have off days on the pitch & off but a quality player takes the chance given and creates something. If he can perform for Liverpool in seasons to come then he will be worthy of being a quality player who wore the number "10" shirt. After all did we really replace Luis Garcia? I feel now he could be that impact player Luis Garcia was if not better.
ReplyDeleteStill early days. The number 10 has 10 games to prove his worth in this shirt. But from his game time so far he has been fantastic. exciting little fellow.
ReplyDeleteWell said ^ its transfer talk so does not mean its entirely true. What is true is he is a free transfer at the season. But who knows.
ReplyDeletehe much much better than the raheem sterling. sterling is overrated
ReplyDeleteyes i did read the article and the lads getting put under pressure,2 games man give the lad a chance to settle in ,i,am not saying he has not had a great start but people yourself included build players up to quickly so it makes them easy to knock down
ReplyDeleteI was doubtful about coutinho but he seems to be of the same ilk as the attacking midfielders in the prem your mata's silva's and cazorla's and we have lacked that type of player for donkeys what impresses me so far is his inteligence on the ball and he seems to have that picture in his head his link up play with suarez suggests he is on his wavelength which can only bode well hopefully he plays the remaining games of the season and next season when he settles he can really explode and realise his potential
ReplyDeleteThe January buys have definitely not disappointed so far. I only saw the highlights of Saturday's match but what I noticed was that Coutinho wasn't mentioned afterwards. Not by BR nor by the pundits in the studio. It was all about Suarez. Obviously another hat trick deserves to get mentioned but the addition of Coutinho and Sturridge has really helped to further exploit Suarez's strengths. You can see he's getting more space and being the genius that he is he knows how to use it. It's starting to look like we're finally building a team around Gerrard that we should have built ten years ago.
ReplyDeletewell the guy is very talented but he's not in the same league as the mata cazorla and silva, lol. i even rate taarabt much more than coutinho.
ReplyDeleteNo not in the same league but the same type of player
ReplyDeletehave u seen how much these 3 spanish players are involved in the build up of the attacks? they are involved in every goal threat that their teams posed. they are almost everywhere on the pitch.. running everywhere, receiving the ball, distributing it on the left right.. short and long passes, shoot on goal many times also. countinho is just a left wing player, thats it. and dont tell me he is still young.. these 3 players were always like this at that age.
ReplyDeletewhat the hell happened to those players? they were the two best in the world...
ReplyDeleteI didnt see where cazorla played any part of the build up in mertesackers goal yesterday
ReplyDeleteHe's well on his bike... I rate him, very skillful. He needs to just get involved in more play over the duration of the whole game now. Works really well in small spaces.
ReplyDeleteI for one hope he starts next week again with Sturridge AND Suarez - Fearsome front line which I'm sure will have devastating effect!
hahah... he's had 2 games man. And he's not a winger by natural trade, he's a Central attacking midfielder. YOu're comparing him to outstanding seasoned premier league professionals who are quite a bit older than him.
ReplyDeleteHe seems on the way to achieving their levels, but still, I guess it's a compliment that you mentioned COutinho in the same sentence with those other guys - Mata, Carzola and SIlva.
I agree Ganno.
ReplyDeleteRonnie in his prime best player ive ever seen with the ball at his feet
ReplyDeleteThis is all well and good but the real test is Saturday against Spurs. I feel confident about it though, I presume Sturridge will be fit so a front 3 of Coutinho, Sturridge and Suarez can do damage.
ReplyDeleteYes he is, technically, they all play in the Barclays Premier League.
ReplyDeleteOn a serious note, this is a 20 year old player with unlimited potential. The other 3 mentioned are seasoned players who had established themselves at their previous clubs and were brought to their new homes for top dollar. We paid a reported £8.5m for Coutinho and he has played 2 full games and appeared as a substitute in a third and has given us all a glimpse of why we signed him and what he can bring to the team. Barring injuries, I can see this kid being a very special player for us for a very long time. It is evident from what little we have seen of him that he's different class to much of what we have at the club already. Can I use the term 'typical Brazilian'?
Let's not jump on the negativity bandwagon and enjoy what we have.
Sterling was over praised by the same media and fans.
ReplyDeleteSterling is just 18 and in his first season (PL). Coutinho is skillful and has a good vision for passes and goals. Sterling (BR will use him as a sub in last 30 mins) will add pace to our attack.
are you the same person who didnt think he was worth the hassle of getting a work permit and not worth the risk due to his lack of impact at a big club (inter) and criticising his injury record? does that humble pie taste good?
ReplyDeleteI always thought skill or natural talent beats size when it comes to effectiveness on the pitch and boy did he prove that last weekend. When you argued that he shouldn't have started the game I was like... get outa here
ReplyDeleteThe boy is is class not only on the ball but off it, the first player I've seen recently actually busting a gut to get into the box when he sensed a goal scoring opportunity (For the goal Suarez put through the keepers legs). For such a slight player he's pretty resilient as well, hope to see a front three of him Sturridge and Suarez against Tottenham....Can't wait
ReplyDeleteLike you did with Joe Allen...
ReplyDeleteno m8 i never built him up in the 1st place i always said he was a waste of money so check your facts smart a$$
ReplyDeletei never build allen up always said he was a waste of money since day one
ReplyDeleteAre you joking, he's played 2 games!!! How on earth have you deduced that he will never be what they are?! He is a creative player, and he is not just a left winger he can play anywhere in the front 3 or even behind. Cazorla is 28 and he hasn't been doing it since he was 20 but if you actually watched football instead of playing football manager you might realise that players need time to adjust to a new league let alone a new country. Regardless 3 assists and a goal in 2 games is hardly a bad return!!
ReplyDeleteCoutinho was doing it when he was 18, he tore apart spurs in the CL. Give him a chance. Rant over...
You basically contradicting yourself, you said you cant "build" a player up after just 2 games. But yet you said Allen is a waste of money and not good enough in an instant. Erm correct me if I am wrong is that not the same. The only difference is instead of praising early you are being dismissive early.
ReplyDeleteBtw we needed a central midfielder, we sold Aquilani, Charlie Adam & loaned out Spearing. Leaving only Gerrard, (injured) Lucas, Henderson & Shelvey in a 3 man midfield. We needed Allen to add extra depth.
so the complete opposite then do you watch any lfc games allen mite as well not be on the pitch even the lfc players try not to pass to him anymore because they know were the the ball will end up you can defend him all you like but imo he would not start a game again unless injuries made it neccac sery
ReplyDeleteI did not give a premature accolade to Coutinho performance. All I said was he has played well in the games he has featured in. Which he has, that's a fact - at times he does fade away in the match. I have not gone on to say he is going to be the "BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD" or "HE IS FANTASTIC." I have just simply said he has done what is required in the games he has played in. Irony is that you say "give the lad a chance to settle in" but your the first one to get on the bandwagon and be totally dismissive. [ENTER] Borini, Allen and Co - it's laughable that you even at one point said Sturridge wont be good enough at Liverpool this is before he has kicked a football in Liverpool shirt. So who is the one who knocks them down JC?
ReplyDeletewell m8 every one we sign is world class to you thats why were in the position were in
ReplyDeleteand re sturridge m8 i take it hes a anfeild legend in your eyes now after is long distinguished career at lfc
ReplyDeleteYou really need to read carefully what I said. EARLY ON AT THE BEGINNING OF SEASON Allen was our best player. HE DROPPED FORM LATER. I am not the only one football pundits even said Allen was Liverpools best player at the beginning. Get your fact right he was man of the match against Man City 26th August 2012. You remember that game it was a 2-2 draw with City. He was Liverpools jounalists Man of the match against West Brom first game of the season. Guess what he was again Liverpools Journalists man of the match VS Arsenal (we lost 2-0.) Just to rub salt in the wound again he was again LiverpoolFC.com journalist against Udinese. So it was not just me he played well for Liverpool at the beginning.
ReplyDeleteOMG, are you being for real? where did I say that? are you just adding stuff in? either that or clearly you cant read what I have just said. At times I do wonder where your brain is attached.
ReplyDeleteI didn't say he was a legend, again where are you getting this stuff from? I'm not the one who dismisses a Liverpool player before he's even kicked a ball in a Liverpool kit.
ReplyDeleteno you build them up as if there all world class and defend them even if they are complete sh1te,
ReplyDeleteBR's transfer prowess is his achellies heel imo, but you're right. If he can make more smart transfers like he did in Jan then the future does look bright. However, let's not get carried away. 30mil in bad transfers is a lot of money and we can't just sweep that under the rug. This summer is pivitol for the future of this club. He MUST spend wisely if we are to believe Reina and Skrtel are going with Cara retiring. Some big boots need to be filled and another summer debocal might have us taking steps backwards as a club. But like I said, Jan looked good but let's wait till Sept 1st before singing the managers praises on the transfer front.
ReplyDeletejason carr what was the chuffin point in your comment on the dog with the chippy that served a cat that knew a woman who had the child of Honda ....u knew nthing so why didnt you just keep your gob shut nerd .........like we really neeeded or got something from your imput on this geeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
ReplyDeleteYes Coutinho has played well - no doubt. It also helps that there are other south americans at the club and a small spanish contingent as well - so fitting in wouldnt be a problem.
ReplyDeleteWigan and Swansea were however very poor. But I am hopeful that rodgers has finally pulled a couple of rabbits out of the hat with coutinho and Sturridge.
You support Liverpool, you support the players. End of.
ReplyDeleteend of why because you say get f"cking real
ReplyDeleteBecause you cant articulate yourself. You only see what you say and ignore what people say. Typical.
ReplyDeleteI'm personally very pleased with him so far. I hope he can continue like this but he will still need time to adapt (Swansea and Wigan were both poor it has to be admitted).
ReplyDeleteI also think other players need to give him the ball more, but that will come with time.We're long overdue a class no.10. Fingers crossed it's Coutinho for many years to come.