Philippe Coutinho Voted Liverpool’s Top Player In December By Fans

Brendan Rodgers isn’t the only one who appreciated Philippe Coutinho’s resurgence in December. Liverpool fans did, too.

Coutinho won Liverpool’s Player of the Month Award for December by fans’ vote, according to LiverpoolFC.com. Coutinho claims his second Player of the Month Award of 2014-15 (October was the first) and his fourth since joining the club in January 2014.

Coutinho thanked fans for the award Thursday and vowed to do what he can to help the Reds’ cause.

“It means so much,” Coutinho told the club’s website. “As I always say, it gives me even more confidence to deliver on the pitch knowing that I’ve been voted by the fans. It is very important to me.

“We had a lot of games in December and I had the opportunity to play regularly.

“I want to keep improving every game to help the team as much as I can. I’m always keen to improve and do my best to help Liverpool.”

Coutinho is thriving in Liverpool’s new system, playing an advanced role in a 3-4-3 formation. The 22-year-old Brazilian playmaker started six of Liverpool’s eight games last month, scoring one goal, setting up two more and creating a host of scoring chances.

Coutinho is working to cement his place in Liverpool’s lineup (regardless of what system the team plays) and be a leader in the Reds’ pursuit of success in the first six months of 2015. Those goals are lofty but achievable for a player of Coutinho’s ability. Potential rewards for doing so include more trophies, champagne, recognition from fans and teammates — and possibly a new contract.