Rio Ferdinand: 'Genius Philippe Coutinho can be world class'

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has called for Philippe Coutinho to develop a consistency that can see the Liverpool playmaker become a "world-class talent".

The Brazilian international struck twice as Jurgen Klopp's men recorded a 3-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and the ex-United centre-back was impressed with the performance of the Reds midfielder.

Ferdinand told BT Sport: "This little fella is a genius and if he can get on the ball and twist and turns and makes things happen then he can become a world-class talent if he does it on a regular basis.

"He needs to get more consistent and he'll have more of a chance of being a world-class talent."

Coutinho signed from Inter Milan for around £8m in January 2013.