The former Barca midfielder could be forgiven for trying to sell Coutinho on a move to the Nou Camp, but he has done quite the opposite.
Former Barcelona hero Xavi has told Goal, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo, that he believes Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho should reject any advances from the Spanish giants and instead stay at Anfield under Jurgen Klopp.
Coutinho has been one of Liverpool’s leading stars since his arrival as a 20-year-old from Inter Milan in January 2013, scoring 34 goals in 157 appearances in all competitions for the club from midfield.
After the best individual season of his career last term, in which he scored 12 times and was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, he has continued his fine form into the start of this campaign.
The Brazilian international has already racked up six goals and five assists in just 11 appearances for the Reds this term, form which has firmly established him as one of the leading attacking stars in the Premier League.
Unsurprisingly, those kind of displays have seen him linked with some of Europe’s top clubs, with Barcelona though to be the leading candidates for his signature should he leave Merseyside.
However, in something of a surprise move, Barca legend Xavi has told Goal that although he would suit the Catalan club perfectly, the best thing for him now is to ignore any speculation of a move to Nou Camp.
Xavi said, via the Echo: “Coutinho is a player I have always thought is special – but under Klopp he has gone up another level. On form there are not any better midfield players in Europe. 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.
“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. When you play at the level he is there is always going to be talk, but for now he needs to ignore all that and stay focused, because I think Liverpool have a real chance this season.
“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. Technically he is very good. He would suit Barcelona’s philosophy well.”
Coutinho is the most talented star to come to the fore at Anfield since Luis Suarez, who famously left Liverpool to join Barca two years ago, where he has reached an even higher level.
Coutinho could well be tempted to follow his old teammate, but Reds fans will be hoping that he follows the advice from Xavi and ignores any talk of a move for now.
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