Paul Merson has made a damning assessment of Liverpool talisman Philippe Coutinho in his column with the Daily Star.
Coutinho is widely considered one of the best players in the Premier League, and has been in fine form so far this campaign. The Brazilian has scored five goals and provided five assists in the league, despite having appeared in just 15 of Liverpool’s games.
He doesn’t appear to have convinced everyone, however. Sky Sports pundit Merson is certainly not the little magician’s biggest fan.
Despite Liverpool’s dip in form when Coutinho sustained a serious ankle injury, Merson does not think that he is Liverpool’s most important player: “I don’t even think he’s Liverpool’s best player. Sadio Mane is probably more important to them.”
Even though footballer’s wages are majorly inflated nowadays, Merson feels as though Coutinho is not good value for money on £150,000-a-week: “He also has five assists but that doesn’t even put him in the top ten this season. So £150,000-a-week is a lot to be paying him.”
This is by no means the first nonsensical thing that Merson has ever said, but it could well be one of the most delusional. He is the gift that keeps on giving.