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Philippe Coutinho can become world's best player at Liverpool, says Brazil legend Lucio

Anfield is the best place for the Brazil international to fine tune his abilities, according to World Cup winner

Samuel Stevens
Thursday 10 December 2015 13:06 GMT
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Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho
Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho can become the best player in the world, according to former World Cup winner and fellow Brazilian countryman Lucio.

The 23-year-old continues to shine under new Reds manager Jurgen Klopp as the German tries to produce a change in fortunes at Anfied.

Coutinho signed for Liverpool from Inter Milan for £8.5m in January 2013 and stepped into the breach left behind by the departures of Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling in recent years.

"I am very happy that he is having success at Liverpool," Lucio told Sky Sports. "There is potential to be the best player in the world, of that there is no doubt. But it will depend on what happens around him. He is only going to get better."

Lucio and Coutinho shared a changing room at the San Siro almost three years ago and formed a friendship. Now 37-years-old and playing for FC Goa in the Indian Super League, the Brazil legend praised his former team-mate’s attitude.

Former Brazil defender Lucio

"When he was at Inter, he wasn't playing and we got closer, and lived nearby to each other.

"My family got to know his family, and gave all our support, and we helped him achieve what he has with that support. Everything that he is doing now is down to his marriage and family. His attitude is perfect."

Reports of a move to Barcelona continue to overshadow Coutinho’s Anfield career but Lucio believes Merseyside is the best place for his friend to fine tune his talents – for now at least.

"I think that is a personal decision for him [Barca move], but Barcelona have a lot of great players, but that can put a shade [sic] on his play," he added.

"Liverpool is the right place for him to become the best. He has his space, and can play where he wants."

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