Rodgers talks up Brazilian playmaker.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has outlined his hopes for Philippe Coutinho by claiming the fleet-footed Brazilian could be the new Luka Modric or Toni Kroos, according to the Daily Mirror.
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The 22-year-old committed his long term future to the club on Tuesday and Rodgers compared him to Real Madrid duo Luka Modric and Toni Kroos – even claiming that he can be as good as the pair.
Coutinho has been a cult figure amongst fans following his switch from Inter Milan in 2013, and he played a key role in helping the club to reach second place in the Premier League last term.
“If you look at that type of player he is, you look at Modric,” Rodgers said.
“He doesn’t have a big goalscoring record, but he is a world-class player, a continuity player.
“He can make passes and put the ball in behind and he gets the odd goal from outside the box. He is a top-class player who can create the game who is so important in opening up doors for the team.
“Toni Kroos is another of that type; a wonderful footballer and great passer.
“They maybe don’t get as many goals for what their technique is, but their role is to sit behind the ball and create goals for others.
“Their role is not to score 20 a season. Phil’s numbers will improve, but it is not the be all and end all if he doesn’t get 20 a season.”
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