As Liverpool dazzled at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, rampaging to a 6-1 thrashing of Watford, it was Phillipe Coutinho who was the catalyst and continued to stake his claim for the Premier League player of the season.
In the opening moments of the clash, Coutinho was instrumental in creating a number of chances for his teammates, with Roberto Firmino going close on two separate occasions, with Lucas Leiva also nearly capitalising at two set pieces.
It was the other Brazilian who would give the Reds the kickstart they needed though with his corner whipped in perfectly for Sadio Mane to flick on and into the back of the net.
The former Inter Milan midfielder followed it up with an exquisite goal of his own from 20 yards out to make it 2-0 and all but put the game to bed. Impressively, Coutinho had a 100% pass completion ratio at half time, finishing the game with 82.4% which remains a superb rate as he was the star man in one of the biggest victories seen at Anfield in years.
After two assists at Selhurst Park last weekend, the 24-year-old was once again pivotal in earning the three points for Liverpool, with three successful dribbles showing just what an impact he had as he tore holes through the Hornets defence as they struggled to keep up with his mesmerising footwork and smart movement.
However, successful in his only aerial duel and with eight ball recoveries, these stats are testament to the work rate of the playmaker who has shown himself to be more than prepared to track back and help out, starting attacks from deep to spark life into the Reds in true Klopp style.
If Coutinho can maintain his early season form, it is hard to see how he would not be a candidate for a host of awards come the end of the season, much to the delight of Liverpool fans if he can help to sustain their title challenge. What may not be so gratefully received on Merseyside would the interest from the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain that comes along with that quality.
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