Coutinho has scored five goals in the league this season. But it’s his ability to create chances for others that set him apart.His performances for Liverpool have won praise from Pele, Cafu and Neymar.In February, he scored one of the goals of the Premier League season, striking from long range in 2-0 win over Southampton.Coutinho has eight goals for Liverpool this season, overtaking his tally of five from last term with three games of the season still left to play.But allied to the talent, Coutinho’s work ethic has won him praise from his managers.A selfie taken with wife Aine at Anfield during the 2013-14 end of season lap of honor. The pair are childhood sweethearts and she left everything in Brazil behind to support him when he moved to Europe.Coutinho swivels and scores what Luis Suarez thought was the goal of the 2013-2014 Premier League season against Manchester City.But a home defeat by Chelsea and a 3-3 draw at Crystal Palace scuppered Liverpool’s title hopes last season, finishing second, missing out by just two points as fierce rivals Manchester City took the crown.The Brazilian joined Liverpool from Inter Milan in 2013 for a fee of $13 million and became an instant hit with fans and teammates.In March, he scored for the second season in a row against Man City in a 2-1 victory at Anfield, cutting inside two defenders to curl a magnificent shot past goalkeeper Joe Hart.Coutinho celebrated in front of the Kop after his stunning strike, quickly becoming a fan favorite at Liverpool thanks to his dazzling displays.He missed out on a place in the Brazil squad for the 2014 World Cup but will be looking to make amends at the upcoming Copa America in Chile.Now 22, he was part of the Brazil team that won the 2011 under-20 World Cup in Colombia, which included several notable players such as Oscar, Casemiro, Danilo, Alex Sandro, and Juan Jesus.Coutinho curls home a free kick during his loan spell at Espanyol, praised by current Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino for the ‘special magic’ in his feet.Coutinho experienced a challenging three years at Inter Milan, making fewer than 30 appearances as injuries hampered his progress.Recently, Coutinho scored for Liverpool against Aston Villa in the FA Cup semifinal at Wembley, giving his team a 1-0 lead before a Villa comeback dashed his hopes for a first trophy in England.Coutinho celebrates his goal at Wembley, hoping his contributions next year can help Liverpool secure some silverware.
