Brendan Rodgers has backed Philippe Coutinho to remind everyone of his ‘world class’ ability if the Barcelona misfit returns to the Premier League this summer, speaking to the Beautiful Game podcast amid speculation linking him with a move to Leicester City.
While it might have been the legendary Sturridge, Suarez and Sterling strikeforce who fired Rodgers’ Liverpool to the verge of glory in 2014, the role of a Brazilian playmaker to the Anfield cause should not be forgotten.
Coutinho was not quite at the peak of his powers during his first full campaign on Merseyside but, with five goals and five assists to his name, Rodgers knew that he had a special talent on his hands.
And, six years on, a reunion could be on the cards.
Sport has suggested that Leicester, Rodgers’ Leicester that is, could rescue Coutinho from his Catalonian nightmare with Barca potentially willing to let their £142 million outcast leave on loan.
And though Rodgers did not address those rumours directly, it’s clear as day that plenty of admiration remains.
“It’s sad to see, I hear people talk him down at the moment. This boy is top and if he comes to this league, he’ll show that. He’s world class,” Rodgers said of a man who’s desire to return to England is well documented.
“Most people probably look at him and think he’s not for the Premier League but what a talent. He intimidates people when he has the ball with his quality.”
Barcelona are expected to take a big loss on Coutinho once he returns from a rather mixed loan spell at Bayern Munich, though his staggering £240,000-a-week wages could scupper any hopes he had of a fresh start in this most uncertain of markets.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
