Philippe Coutinho has been one of the standout performers for Liverpool recently, and is quickly being recognised as a truly world class player. He has been handed more responsibility since the departure of Steven Gerrard, but insists he isn’t fazed, as reported by LiverpoolFC.com.
After years of service to the club, Gerrard made the switch across the pond to MLS side LA Galaxy. He has been such a huge part of our game for so long that there was always going to be a gaping hole left by his departure, but a number of players have stepped up in his wake.
Coutinho is one such player, but the Brazilian insists that the responsibility has been shared around the team to prevent individuals feeling the extra pressure.
“I think it’s more a case that everyone’s level of responsibility has gone up,” he told BBC Sport (via LFC.com).
“A real leader has left, one of the club’s greatest players and an idol for all of us.
“I think everyone felt his absence a bit at the start, but Liverpool is now moving forward without Gerrard and we’re all pulling together in his absence.
“[But] in truth I don’t feel any extra pressure. Every time I step onto the pitch, I just want to do my best, to enjoy myself and to entertain Liverpool’s fans.
“I don’t think about the pressure, I just want to play football and help the team.”
The little Brazilian is shown that he’s capable of winning games on his own with a moment of magic, which is something we often relied on Gerrard to do. It’s hugely important to have players like that in the team, so Coutinho’s importance can’t be understated.
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A lot is expected of the 23-year-old, so it’s fantastic to hear that he isn’t feeling the pressure. We’ll need him to be at his best this season if we are to battle our way into the top four, so hopefully when he returns from suspension he can really get motoring.