Liverpool’s Brazilian star Philipe Coutinho has said that he is hopeful of being selected for the Brazil national team squad before the start of the World Cup in order to show that he deserves a place to be on the plane to World Cup 2014. Coutinho was an £ 8 million signing from Inter Milan last January, but he has been an immediate hit at Anfield much to the surprise of many.
Even though he appeared to have all the talent at Inter Milan, he struggled to cope with the expectations. At Liverpool, he has been looking liberated and this has consequently improved his form.
Brazil are one of the strongest in the world in the attacking midfield position with a number of players competing against Coutinho. However, the youngster has the chance to get into the Brazil team if he continues to perform at the same level because unlike some of them, he gets regular game time at Anfield. The 21-year-old may have scored just three goals in his last 13 matches, but he has been a very good contributor for Liverpool this season.
“I still think there is plenty of time for me to try and be part of the team. It’s always going to be difficult because there are a lot of players who play in my position who have been given their chance and are playing very well, but there is a lot of football to be played before the World Cup, so you just have to try to impress for your club until then. My main focus has to be on Liverpool,” said Coutinho.
He has been playing out wide on the left, which is a position taken up by stars like Robinho and Neymar at the national team level. They will provide intense competition to the Liverpool midfielder.