Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes Philippe Coutinho will follow in the footsteps of Luis Suarez and grow into a world-class talent at the club.
According to Sportinglife, the Brazil international, who on Monday signed a new five-year contract, scored the Reds’ added-time winner in the 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round replay win at Bolton on Wednesday.
He has been at the heart of their rejuvenation over the last two months and Rodgers, who earlier this week said the 22-year-old could become like Real Madrid’s Luka Modric or Toni Kroos, has high hopes for his future.
“You would pay money to watch the kid,” he said.
“He is a great role model for lots of technical players in this country. He will become world class in the next couple of years.
“Luis Suarez grew and grew in this team and I can see Coutinho falling in the same way, although he might not be as prolific.
“Signing a new deal shows he is really committed to Liverpool and his development.”
Rodgers believes his side’s “winning habit” got them through a tricky tie which looked beyond them until their dramatic late turnaround, as they scored twice in the final minutes.
“Luis Suarez grew and grew in this team and I can see Coutinho falling in the same way, although he might not be as prolific.”
“We have got a great habit at the minute which is winning games,” said Rodgers.
“You can’t question the character. They have shown a real strong mentality in my time here.”
