'Coutinho? He's a genius with the ball'
Kop legend John Aldridge has labelled Philippe Coutinho as a genius after the No.10 produced another moment of magic in Sunday's 2-1 victory at Aston Villa.
The Brazilian ace served up another memorable display for Liverpool when his brilliant pass sliced open the Villa defence and created Jordan Henderson's equaliser.
It was a moment in keeping with the sort of form Coutinho has displayed in seven appearances since arriving from Inter Milan in January - and Aldridge believes Brendan Rodgers has made an inspirational capture.
"It's early in his Liverpool career, but what a talent Philippe Coutinho looks," Aldridge wrote in his column for the Liverpool Echo. "Make no mistake, we have signed a player here.
"His contribution at Villa Park was decisive, and thrilling. It's easy to get carried away when a new player comes into a team. We've seen players sparkle and fade at Anfield in the past of course, but this lad looks the real deal.
"He still has a bit of work to do on his physique and his stamina, and pre-season will be important in his development, but in terms of his work on the ball he's a genius.
"He's the kind of player Liverpool have been in desperate need of for many a year. Early days, yes, but what promising signs."
Meanwhile, the former Kop No.8 has spoken of his delight at the form of Henderson.
The England U21 international had a fine game at Villa Park on Sunday and Aldridge insists he deserves a great deal of credit for the way in which he has improved under Rodgers.
He added: "He's improving every time he pulls on a red shirt, and I do think he's becoming a very important player for this team.
"It speaks volumes that supporters are more disappointed when he is not in the team these days then when he is.
"His energy is great, his work-rate and his willingness to play for the team is first class. Henderson looks like a player who loves playing football, loves playing for Liverpool.
"The passion was written all over his face when he scored at Villa.
"The key was always unlocking his confidence. Now he has done that - and give Brendan Rodgers some credit for that, too - he uses the ball better, he wins it better and has started to add goals to his game.
"He captains England's U21 side with distinction, and I think he has brought that confidence back to Liverpool.
"He's a valuable member of this team now, and one who I believe should be starting more games than not.
"All in all, it was a very good win by Liverpool at Villa Park. They had a few flaws defensively, but their football was terrific in patches. In the end, they could have won by more."
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