Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler believes that Philippe Coutinho needs to produce more against bigger sides if he wants to be considered as being truly world-class.
The Brazilian had an off-day as his side drew against Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.
While Coutinho did play a role in creating his sides opening goal on the day, he was outshone by Eden Hazard while Mohamed Salah was the overall best player for the Reds.
Coutinho has so far had a season full of mixed fortunes. He missed the first month of the season with a back injury and this also happened to be the same time during which Barcelona had been trying to sign him and had three bids rejected.
However he has also looked good and so far has five goals from 11 starts this season. Speaking about the game between Liverpool and Chelsea this weekend, Fowler said: “If I have a slight disappointment, it is that Liverpool didn’t make the most of their attacking situations, and that’s probably because Philippe Coutinho had an off-day.
“You’d love to see him have the consistency that Eden Hazard is showing. Yet it can be tough for players who maintain that level – remember that Hazard had a long spell a couple of seasons ago when he stopped playing at an acceptable level.
“If Coutinho is going to be considered truly world class – at the level of Neymar and LionelMessi – then he will have to offer a bit more in games like this. But he still had that ability to produce something from nowhere for Mo Salah’s goal.”
