Huge error from the Italians to sell so cheaply…
In news which will probably put a sly smile on the faces of most Liverpool fan, Piero Ausilio, Inter Milan Director, has admitted his side regret parting with Coutinho back in 2013…
The Brazilian, then just 20-years-old, signed from the Serie A giants for £8.5m in January 2013 (via BBC Sport), and has proven to be one of our biggest bargains in Premier League history for us.
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After playing a key role in our title push in 2013/14, he’s stepped it up a further gear this campaign, despite playing in a less threatening side in the absence of Luis Suarez.
So much so, Coutinho was recently announced on the shortlist for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, although in truth – he’s unlikely to collect the gong this time around.
“He was just 18 when he arrived at the club from Vasco,” Ausilio began…
“Then came Benitez and the expectations were very high. Rafa used him on the flanks in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
“He was not playing much and we lacked patience so we decided to sell him.
“I would like young players to grow and succeed here; when I seen them play for other clubs, it makes me sad.”
Coutinho’s form means he started Brazil’s last match in the pivotal no.10 role – demonstrating just how wonderful a talent he truly is.
Technically, there are few better players in European football, and if the now 22-year-old can add more goals and assists to his game (4 and 4 this term do not do his talent justice), then we’ll be looking at a genuine world beater.
Barring a late injury, Coutinho will be starting at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa – which could quite possibly be deemed the biggest match of his fledgling career so far – bar perhaps the Manchester City league fixture last season, in which he scored the winner…