Coutinho: I've developed so much at Liverpool - and I'm not done yet
Philippe Coutinho will continue striving to develop after detailing how he has grown both on and off the pitch since joining Liverpool.
The Reds’ No.10 has established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest creative forces since his arrival at Anfield from Inter in January 2013, with his form at club level also proving sufficient to earn him a regular starting spot in Brazil’s team.
Now comfortable and adept in a range of attacking positions, the 25-year-old has steadily increased his season-on-season goal tally in each of his campaigns on Merseyside.
Despite being restricted to nine club appearances so far this term due to back and adductor injuries, Coutinho has already scored four times - and he has set his sights on improving further under Jürgen Klopp.
“I have become stronger here in every way,” Coutinho told Goal.
“When I first came to England, there was so much to adapt to and learn. It was a completely different experience for me, but also a challenging, exciting one.
“Every year, I’ve felt like I’ve taken more on and become better, more complete and mentally prepared - not only with football but life in general.
“I have never wanted to settle, because I know that improvement is something that doesn’t stop. There are always new things you can pick up and many ways to develop. I’m happy with how much I’ve grown, but I’m not finished yet.”
Discussing how he has enhanced his understanding of the game and versatility during his near-five-year stay at Liverpool, Coutinho continued: “When I arrived, I had only been seen or thought of as a playmaker.
“But I’ve had the opportunity to work with top professionals, real quality players, and under good managers, which has helped me understand the responsibilities of different positions and what each one requires.
“I am used to and confident now in many areas of the pitch and it has made me more rounded - I don’t just attack better, I defend better too.”