Coutinho defied club wishes to play v Stoke

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Liverpool wanted to leave Coutinho at home for Saturday’s trip to Stoke, but the Brazilian told management he could play, despite missing training all week due to illness.

Our no.10 came on at half-time and changed the game, along with his countryman Roberto Firmino, helping us turn around a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 – much needed considering Manchester United beat Sunderland.

Coutinho was subbed off early against Bournemouth midweek because he was throwing up in the changing rooms, but showed great commitment to our cause at the weekend.

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“They asked me to stay at home because I was not feeling well but I wanted to be here,” Coutinho told the Echo.

“I wanted to be involved with the team. The manager decided because I was not 100% but I wanted to play.

“It was a big win. There are a lot of points to fight for and every game for us is very important.”

Our talisman now has three goals in his last three matches, and the effort at the Britannia was his 30th in the Premier League, making him the highest scoring Brazilian in the history of English football.

He also has the most assists (28) and having signed a lengthy contract extension in January, is hopefully ours for the foreseeable future.

At his best, Coutinho is right up there with the best players in the country thanks to his ability to change a game at the drop of a hat.

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