PREMIER LEAGUE- PHILIPPE COUTINHO - LIVERPOOL

  

  

Neymar: Philippe Coutinho can become the best player in the Premier League

• Neymar back his Brazilian team-mate to become best in Premier League
• Philippe Coutinho has been in excellent form for Liverpool
• The midfielder signed a long-term contract to keep him at Anfield 

Philippe Coutinho has drawn plaudits for his recent Liverpool performances, and his felloW Brazilian Neymar thinks he can become the best player in the Premier League.

The Liverpool midfielder scored a stunning last-gasp winner at Bolton on Wednesday in the week he signed a long-term contract with the Anfield club.

And Barcelona forward Neymar is the latest to pay tribute to Coutinho, saying his team-mate has what it take to be the star player in England.

Neymar told The Mirror: 'He can be the star player in England. This season I think everybody in England is seeing how talented he is - and I know he has a lot more to show.

'We have been good friends since we were 16. Not only is he a fantastic player, he is a good guy to have in the dressing room, always positive and making jokes.'

Coutinho was left out of the Brazil squad for the World Cup, but the host nation's 7-1 drubbing in the semi-finals by Germany has led to a rethink.

The Brazilian signing his new contract at Liverpool that will keep him at the club until 2020

Brazil coach Dunga said: 'He will play a big part in the future of the national team.

'The national steam is very strong, but the way he is playing for Liverpool, I’m sure he will be a big part of Brazil going forward.'