Coutinho Key in Reds Rapid Rise

Philippe Coutinho is arguably the English Premier League’s best number 10 at the moment and the 22 year old still has room to improve. He’s been a Kop favourite since moving to Liverpool from Inter Milan two years ago and has further endeared himself to the Anfield faithful having recently signed a contract extension to remain at the club. Add to that his current form, which has coincided with the Reds’ rapid rise up the table and all seems to be flowing for the Brazilian.

Liverpool Keep Coutinho

Coutinho’s contract extension at the beginning of the month was a major coup for Liverpool, while the player himself was also ecstatic to put pen to paper. The South American star signed a 5 year deal that will keep him at the club until 2020. They’re would have been admiring glances from others after what the little magician has produced in England so far but Coutinho is committed to helping Liverpool win trophies.

Creative Coutinho Causing Chaos

Philippe Coutinho made a slow start to the season and was even fighting for his position in the side. Playing out wide wasn’t working for the creative midfielder and Liverpool’s entire attack suffered. The Reds struggled to string wins together and found scoring goals a real problem. Brendan Rodgers rejigged his formation and slotted Coutinho back in the centre, almost suddenly the Brazilian rediscovered his groove. Along with Raheem Sterling he’s been Liverpool’s stand out player this season and his assist count continues to grow. While a game winning wonder strike against Bolton in the FA Cup was a perfect way to celebrate his new deal. In recent weeks he’s been untouchable at times, running past defenders with ease and creating havoc in the opposition’s final third. It’s no wonder he’s picked up multiple man of the match accolades as Liverpool begin to build up a head of steam.

Rise of the Reds

Liverpool’s inconsistent start to the season saw them languishing in mid table and already out of the title race. They crashed out of the Champions League in the group stage and looked a long way off getting back into Europe’s top competition via a top 4 finish in the Premier League, midway through December. Fast forward 2 months and the Reds are the League’s form team. After overcoming Tottenham midweek Brendan’s boys are now unbeaten in their last 9 fixtures and have collected 21 points from a possible 27. Liverpool are now seventh on the ladder, 4 points off fourth, with 13 games remaining.

Liverpool are also alive in the FA Cup and having watched the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham all tumble in the tournament the Reds will believe they’re a real chance at winning English Football’s most famous trophy for the first time since 2006. They face Crystal Palace in round 5 this weekend and a win would see them enter the quarter final stages. Liverpool are also in the Europa league and will battle Besiktas over 2 legs in England and Turkey in the round of 32. That’s a competition the Reds will be desperate to win, with the victors earning an automatic entry into next season’s Champions League. The Reds have risen at the right time of the season and with 2 pieces of silverware still up for grabs Liverpool fans are once again in full voice.