Liverpool wants to keep its “brain” in place, so Philippe Coutinho should expect some good news in the coming weeks.
On Monday, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said that the club wants to sign Coutinho to a contract extension before the start of the 2014-15 season (Aug. 17 against Southampton).
“A new contract for Philippe is something we will look to do over the summer,” Rodgers said at a press conference following Liverpool’s 3-1 loss to Manchester United, according to ESPN. “It’s all in hand. He’s a valuable player and a great asset to the club. He’s come in here and shown his quality, and really developed as a young player.
Coutinho joined Liverpool from Inter Milan in January 2013 in a £8.5 million ($14.3 million) transfer. The Brazilian playmaker made an instant impact upon arriving at Anfield and became one of Liverpool’s key players last season, scoring five goals in 37 games (in all competitions).
Rodgers expects Coutinho, 22, to continue improving, and he wants Liverpool to reap the benefits.
“Now he’s moving into the best years of his life as a footballer,” Rodgers continued.” He’s 22 and hopefully by the time the next World Cup comes around he will be an important part of the Brazil team, I’m sure his best years will be at Liverpool.
“He came back to preseason with a great level of fitness, right on the limit of his weight. He’s in great condition, clearly worked hard in the offseason and since he’s come back we’ve seen in the games how strong and aggressive he is.”
Coutinho creates chances for his teammates with his superb technique, vision and passing ability from the center of midfield or a more advanced position. Last month, Rodgers called Coutinho “the brain” of his team. Retaining Coutinho’s services for the coming years would be a case of “sound mind, sound body” for Liverpool.
Photo via LiverpoolFC.com
