After sitting out this summer’s World Cup in his home country, Liverpool midfield maestro Philippe Coutinho has earned himself a spot in the Brazil squad for their upcoming friendlies in the United States.
On the back of a strong pre-season, the 22-year old looks primed to continue his assault on the Premier League and a call to represent his country — something he was bitterly disappointed to miss out over the summer — will only boost his confidence further. Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has tipped the “little magician” to be one of the Anfield outfits star men this season as he prepares the squad to not only retain a top four place, but make a triumphant return to the biggest stage Europe has to offer.
Newly installed Brazil coach Dunga has made a number of changes to his squad after replacing predecessor Luiz Felipe Scolari who resigned following the Selecao’s poor showing at the summer’s show-piece event. Coutinho will be back in the United States for the all South American affair after featuring heavily for Liverpool during their pre-season tour. Brazil will face Colombia on September 5 in Florida and Ecuador on September 9 in New Jersey.
Following the news, team-mates Steven Gerrard and fellow countryman Lucas took too social media — along with scores of Liverpool supporters — to congratulate the diminutive midfielder on his return to the national set-up. “Well deserved call up for our little magician” said the Reds captain while Lucas told him that “deserves all of this”.
