Brazil coach Dunga showed his faith in Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho by recalling the 22-year old to the national set-up following his cameo appearances against Colombia and Ecuador earlier in the month and now the diminutive play-maker has received the backing of Reds boss Brendan Rodgers after making a slow start to the Premier League season.
“He’s a brilliant young player, a fantastic young player,” said the Northern Irishman in the buildup to the meeting with West Ham United. “I’ve got no qualms about him; he’s a big, big talent. He has lit up the Premier League since he came to the club. He’s going to have some games where he won’t be at his best, but he always gives his best and that’s all I ever ask of the players.”
The Brazilian has come in for some criticism in the Reds opening fixtures with the youngster yet recapture the kind of form that made him so integral to Liverpool’s amazing Premier League run last season. Although the midfielder is in line for a new contract at Anfield, he’s going to have to step it up if he wants to keep his place in the starting eleven — in three matches played, the brain of the Reds attack has only created three chances.
Damning stats aside, Rodgers is backing his man to show his quality in the coming weeks of the campaign. “I don’t think it’s a question now if he can cope,” he continued. “He’s been here 18 months and you only need to measure him since he’s been in and look at the big games where he’s been absolutely brilliant. He’s like any normal player – you’ll sometimes be 6/10, you won’t always be 9 or 10/10. “Whilst he isn’t at his best, the reliance isn’t solely on him. If we are to succeed, it’ll be about the whole team playing well.”
