Speaking on the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel, Rob Holding has been chatting about Philippe Coutinho and how he’s struggled against him in the past.
Holding was asked when he’s ever been rinsed by a world-class opponent, and sadly, Holding’s example came from his Arsenal debut.
Indeed, the centre-back stated that in his first ever game for the Gunners, he came up against Philippe Coutinho at his best, claiming that the Brazilian was ‘a joke’ that day.
What’s been said?
Holding spoke about his first game against Coutinho.
“Never have I ever been rinsed by a world-class opponent?” Holding was asked.
“It was on my Arsenal debut, we had Liverpool at home, and Coutinho, he was just a joke that day,” Holding said.
Thrown in at the deep end
We can’t help but have sympathy for Holding here.
Could you imagine making the jump from Bolton to Arsenal and having to face a player like Coutinho on your debut? At that time the Brazilian was one of the best players in the world.
Even the best defenders in the Premier League couldn’t cope with Coutinho that year, nevermind a defender who had only ever played Championship football.
Coutinho scored two that day, and sadly, Holding came under fire for his performance.
Luckily though, the Englishman has bounced back, and he’s now very much an established Premier League centre-half.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
