Philippe Coutinho wins Samba Gold award for 2016
Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho has won the 2016 Samba Gold award for the best Brazilian player in Europe.
The 24-year-old topped a combined poll of journalists, current and ex-professionals and supporters – with 32.13 per cent of the votes – to claim the prize.
Coutinho, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, scored 13 goals for the Reds during the calendar year and ‘made a big, big step’ in his development according to Jürgen Klopp.
The playmaker also starred for his country, finding the target in games against Argentina, Bolivia and Haiti (hat-trick) as the South American heavyweights thrived under the guidance of Tite.
Previous winners of the Samba Gold award – which was launched in 2008 – include Kaka, Luis Fabiano, Maicon, Thiago Silva and Neymar.