'This could be the season for Coutinho and Firmino'
Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino have been tipped to further improve on their impressive form when the new season kicks off in August, by this week's 'Press Box' panel.
The Brazilian duo both reached double figures for goals in 2015-16, scoring 12 and 11 times respectively in all competitions – and the latter in his first year in English football.
Coutinho’s Copa America campaign with Brazil was shorter than expected due to their group-stage elimination, while Firmino has not been on international duty this summer.
The pair were discussed on the latest edition of the show and the panel was in agreement that they should be in prime condition to lead the charge for the Reds next season.
Sky Sports’ Rob Palmer said of Coutinho: “This is his season.
“This is where he’s got to go from being a very good player and an international quality player to being the player we think he can be – because in flashes he’s world-class.
“We know what he’s got within him and in his good games, he’s exceptional. But it’s having more and more of those good games and repeating the games.”
Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph said: “It’s similar with Firmino. People are looking at him this year. He has not been in the Brazil squad and should be fresher than anybody with a full pre-season.
“If you can get more 9/10 [games], he could be one of the players to watch in August, because when he was good he was really good. If he adds that consistency, it will make a huge difference.”
LFCTV GO subscribers can watch the full programme below.