Paul Merson slams Liverpool first teamer, claims he is not world class
By Dominic Toner
Paul Merson has delivered a scathing verdict on Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho and doesn’t feel he belongs in the world class bracket of players.
The 24-year-old recently pledged his long-term future to the Merseyside club by signing a new five-year contract at Anfield.
The Brazil international is regarded as one of the most technically gifted players in the Premier League and has developed into a crucial player under manager Jurgen Klopp.
However, Merson believes that Coutinho needs to improve his end product if he is to be regarded as a top player.
“Jurgen Klopp says Coutinho is world class,” Merson wrote on his Daily Star column. “But he’s not. He’s not a Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s not even an Eden Hazard in my opinion. If he’s on top of his game, and Hazard is too, I know who I’d rather have in my team.
“Coutinho is not going to rip it up on his own. Jamie Carragher has criticised him before for not having enough end product, and he’s right. I don’t even think he’s Liverpool’s best payer. Sadio Mane is probably more important to them and they’ve really missed him.”
Liverpool are attempting to compete for the Premier League title this season and Coutinho is considered to be one of their standout players.
The attacking midfielder has made 19 appearances this season across all competitions, scoring six goals and supplying seven assists.
He has missed a large part of the club’s season with an ankle injury, but has recently returned to the first-team.
Coutinho is without a goal in his last seven games and will be looking to end that streak on Saturday, when Liverpool host Championship side Wolves in the FA Cup fourth-round.
In other Liverpool news, Joe Gomez has posted an Instagram verdict after signing a long-term contract.
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