Xavi: Coutinho would improve Barcelona
Philippe Coutinho's stunning displays for Liverpool and Brazil this season have earned him high praise from Barcelona legend Xavi, who believes the 24-year-old is one of the few players that could improve his former club.
With five goals and five assists in 11 Premier League outings, Coutinho has starred in Liverpool's ascent to the summit of the English top flight. His cracking goal from distance against Argentina last week served to prove just how confident he is at the moment.
Coutinho's close relationship with Luis Suarez - who secured a £64.98-million move to Catalonia in 2014 - and countryman Neymar has sparked fears at Anfield that the Brazilian could follow suit.
And Xaxi's added weight to those claims.
"There are not many players that can improve Barcelona, but if you are asking me if he is one of them, on this form, I think he is," the Spaniard told Goal.com, in quotes picked up by The Telegraph. "Technically he is very good. He would suit Barcelona's philosophy well."
Xavi credited manager Jurgen Klopp for Coutinho's uptick in form. The former Inter playmaker has thrived in a high-pressing system that allows him the freedom to roam about the pitch. He's become a match-winner for the Reds, not just a player capable of odd moments of brilliance.
That's why Xavi has advised Coutinho to stay on Merseyside - for now.
"He has always shown quality but now he is consistently playing well and that is good news for Liverpool if they want to really challenge for the title," added Xavi. "He is playing under one of the most intelligent coaches in Europe. Klopp has a lot of experience at developing world-class players, so it is a good club for him to be at.
"Coutinho is a player I have always thought special - but under Klopp he has gone up another level. On form there are not any better midifeld players in Europe."
On a contract that runs until 2020, there's no apparent rush to tie down Coutinho. But he could stand to pull in more than the £75,000 weekly wage he currently pockets.
He returns to Premier League action with the rest of his Liverpool teammates Saturday at Southampton.