Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has discussed his improvement as a player since he joined the club from Inter Milan back in 2013.
The Brazilian midfielder joined the club for just £8.5 million, but has since gone on to develop quite a reputation as one of the finest playmakers the Premier League has to offer — and his performances last season saw him attract attention from Barcelona in the summer, after international team-mate Neymar left the Catalan club.
Speaking to Goal.com, Coutinho said of his development:
I have grown immensely since I’ve been here
I have become stronger here in every way. Every year, I’ve felt like I’ve taken more on and become better, more complete and mentally prepared – not only with football but life in general.
Coutinho has made 190 appearances for the Reds to date, and has scored 46 goals in that time.
He continued:
I have never wanted to settle because I know that improvement is something that doesn’t stop. There are always new things you can pick up and many ways to develop. I’m happy with how much I’ve grown, but I’m not finished yet.
When I arrived, I had only been seen or thought of as a playmaker. But I’ve had the opportunity to work with top professionals, real quality players, and under good managers, which has helped me understand the responsibilities of different positions and what each one requires.
The Brazilian international has been played across the front three as well as deeper in central midfield, and behind the striker.
He says that he is versatile now though, and this has come with experience:
I am used to and confident now in many areas of the pitch and it has made me more rounded. I don’t just attack better, I defend better too.
Coutinho is likely to next be in action for his side’s game against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
