Coutinho primed to grasp Brazil chance
Simply being in and around the Brazil national squad is a dream accomplished for Philippe Coutinho, but that does not mean the Liverpool No.10 is going to settle for what he has.
After the raw disappointment of missing out on the World Cup in his own country last summer, the 22-year-old has set about earning a regular spot in Dunga's selection with earnest.
Coutinho's performances in the Barclays Premier League have made headlines back home and he has indeed caught the eye enough to be involved with the Selecao in recent months.
But, as an unused substitute role during the friendly with France in Paris on Thursday evening showed, the Reds playmaker still has a challenge ahead to become a go-to for Brazil.
"Whenever I'm called up, it's like the first time," the Rio de Janeiro native explains in LFCTV's new documentary, 'Coutinho: Home from Home', which premieres this evening.
"It's a great honour to wear the Brazilian shirt, which thousands of people dream of wearing one day. I want to honour it whenever I have the opportunity. It means a lot to me.
"I believe being in the team is a dream for every player. You can represent your country. It is a very young squad, so just by having a chance it's a special moment for me.
"My goal is to look for my own space. I believe that is everybody's goal. I know we have other great players, players who have had a great impact on the team. I'm looking for my chance slowly."
With Coutinho in scintillating form from the middle of the field as Liverpool so nearly secured the Premier League title last season, the clamour for a Brazil call-up was huge.
His creativity amid the whirl of such fast-paced football, his vision for a pass and technique to execute it seemed ideal for a country indelibly linked with expressive play.
No lesser figures than Cafu and Zico lined up to tell LFCTV just how highly they rate their compatriot, while Pele recently joined the chorus of appreciation.
But it wasn't to be. And though remnants of the pain of not being part of a once-in-a-career event clearly remain, the humble midfielder insists upon looking to the future.
"I know that was the only opportunity I had to play at the World Cup in my country," Coutinho continues, speaking from his Liverpool home in the special programme.
"Whether I should have been called up is a bit complicated to say. I'd rather think about the present and make things happen in the future.
"I won't have that opportunity again, so I should use it all on the field, doing what I'm demanded to do in my position, what a midfielder must do, to be on the list for the next World Cup."