Ian Rush believes “confident” attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho has developed into a standout performer for Liverpool.
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This all means that the 23-year-old will join Reds teammate Roberto Firmino for the games against Costa Rica on September 5 and the USA on September 8.
I’m happy to have another opportunity to play for the Brazilian National Team.
Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho has been called up to the Brazil squad after the withdrawal of Chelsea’s Oscar and Ramires.
“It seemed from last season that he was going to be one of the flagship players for the new dawn of Brazilian football”, said Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers when the news that Coutinho was dropped by his country initially broke. He got back in (for the Copa America) but it’s very surprising he’s not in this squad.
Ramires has been replaced by Rafinha-the younger brother of Spain worldwide Thiago Alcantara-while Dunga has already had to replace Dani Alves with Fabinho. “You can’t build with just youngsters”, he continued, obviously trying to justify his position before continuing, “You need experience to help”.
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There were plenty of raised eyebrows when Coutinho was dropped from the squad just days after his superb winning goal against Stoke City in the Premier League.
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