Philippe Coutinho is stealing the show in Russia. The Barcelona star is taking his game to a whole new level on the biggest stage of all, the World Cup.
His dazzling form has been instrumental in Brazil topping their group and despite being surrounded by a star-studded group of teammates it’s the diminutive midfielder who has impressed most.
It was thought that Neymar would be the one to lead the Selecao to the knockout stages of the competition and whilst he’s been one of Brazil’s best it’s Coutinho that’s setting records in the competition.
In a 2-0 win over Serbia, Coutinho became the first Brazilian player since Pele to score or assist in each of their first three World Cup games.
His assist for Paulinho was just one of many brilliant passes from a player who is seemingly beginning to reach his peak. Paulinho was suitably impressed, labelling Coutinho a phenomenon.
”I’m always looking for space and that’s the way it happened for the first goal,” Paulinho said. ”The phenomenon Coutinho gave me a great assist and I managed to score.”
Brazil has a multitude of big-name players but you’d be mistaken for thinking this team is akin to the free-flowing and attacking powerhouse teams of years gone by.
Instead, we see a team that is set up to grind out victories and it’s Coutinho who has been the real difference maker after three games.
Against Switzerland, in Brazil’s opener, it was a sublime long-range goal from the midfield maestro that gave his team the lead in a game that would see Brazil have to settle for a disappointing draw.
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