Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher thinks that Philippe Coutinho has become the new ‘go-to’ man for the Reds in the same mould as Luis Suarez was, reports the Daily Express.
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The Brazilian was in fine form for the Merseyside club as they beat Newcastle United 2-0 on Monday night. The 22-year-old played in a ‘false nine’ role during the encounter, and looked impressive in the role. Carragher thinks this is a sign that the player is ready to be the main man for manager Brendan Rodgers in the future.
He said: “The role he played tonight was the false nine we speak about a lot. We expect him in a wide area, but we saw some of his touches tonight and his ability in small spaces against players, some of the pieces of play he produced tonight.
“Last season Luis Suarez was Liverpool’s main man, the go-to man. But as this season has progressed, and for the future, Coutinho is Liverpool’s. I don’t think that false nine role will be his. Obviously Sturridge is out. But we’ve seen him behind the front, the main striker tonight, and he was outstanding.”
Although undoubtedly skillful, the midfielder has never managed to get the stats to back up his ability. This season has been no different, getting four goals and four assists in 29 Premier League appearances so far. These don’t make him a complete failure, but they are no way near the level of Suarez. The Uruguayan scored 31 times and created another 12 over 33 appearances in his final season in England.