Coutinho is like Ronaldinho and Messi

[Folami David]

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho has the same quality as Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho, Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Friday.
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The 20-year-old Brazilian joined Liverpool in January from Inter Milan with a reputation for quick feet and a turn of pace but with question marks hanging over his physicality and ability to adjust to the all-action Premier League.
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He has silenced the doubters, however, with a promising start to life on Merseyside, scoring one and showcasing an armoury of flicks and tricks as Liverpool have won all three of the matches he has started.
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Pochettino knows the player well after coaching him during a loan spell at La Liga side Espanyol last season and the pair will come face to face again on Saturday when Liverpool visit Southampton in the Premier League.
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"Philippe is a Brazilian player and, as it happens with most Brazilians, he has a special magic in his feet," the Southampton manager told reporters.
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"Aside from the magic that he has, he also has an amazing work rate and that makes us doubt whether he fits the mould of a typical Brazilian player or a European one because his work ethic is outstanding.
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"What is important about him is he is a good lad, a good kid - a great, humble person.
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"I do think Coutinho has that same quality that Ronaldinho and Messi have, but he has much to prove yet.
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"What is really clear to me is that Coutinho is a really responsible player - really dedicated and responsible to his own players."
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Coutinho's ability has never been in doubt, but he often found himself on the sidelines at Inter with commentators questioning whether with his slight frame meant he could have a sustained impact on matches.

[Shola Sholaz]

I do not think so at all. Those players are far above his quality. He will need more hardwork to reach their level and standard.