Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes that Philippe Coutinho has finally earned his status as a world class number 10, and suggests he deserves all the praise he is now getting in the Premier League.
The Brazilian international has started the season in scintillating form, with four goals and two assists in eight league matches, and appears to have announced himself in the English top flight as one of the best in his position, with rumours now circulating about a possible move to Spanish giants Barcelona or Real Madrid in the summer.
Jamie Carragher on Philippe Coutinho's form for Liverpool: "This is a golden age for No.10s in the Premier League." pic.twitter.com/54SS3YKigW
Writing in his column in theDaily Mail, Carragher admitted that talk of Coutinho moving to one of the European giants often frustrated him, as he felt the player had not done enough to warrant that talk, but now it's different, with the 24-year-old now producing some world class performances in a Liverpool shirt.
There used to be a time when I would roll my eyes. Philippe Coutinho's name would be mentioned alongside a team such as Real Madrid but I never took it seriously,� said Carragher.
"He is playing at such a level that you could put him in the No 10 position of any of Liverpool's rivals, and he would fit in seamlessly and enhance their quality.
His performances are making everyone sit up and take notice, so much so that it has even got to the point where the Brazil legend Ronaldo gave an interview to a Spanish radio station two weeks ago and said he ˜would love to see Coutinho at Real Madrid.
The quiet lad who used to make me lose my patience is now making me jump out of my seat. He is becoming Liverpool's perfect 10.�