Not many people thought that Phillipe Coutinho would survive in the Premier League, let alone thrive as he has. The scrawny playrmaker who arrived from Inter Milan didn’t look like he’d be up for the intensity of English football, but he’s proved his doubters wrong since then.
It’s no surprise to see the Brazilian linked to Barcelona in the Mirror.
A move to Spain must be very tempting for Coutinho, but he should continue to develop in England for as long as he can. The Suarez – Messi – Neymar trident is impossible to break into for now, and the 24-year-old should stick around on Merseyside to see how far Jurgen Klopp can take this side before he jumps ship. In a few years, with the “magic trident” ageing, Coutinho can move to Spain with a genuine chance of playing regularly. For the moment, he is the perfect fit for Barcelona; but they are not yet the perfect fit for him.