Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted that Philippe Coutinho has the physicality to match his technical attributes and be a long-term success in the Premier League.
The Brazilian moved to Anfield from Inter Milan in January and has impressed with his silky feet and creative passing, which has helped him chip in with five assists.
Amid concerns over his diminutive frame and ability to cope with the physical nature of English football, Rodgers has stressed that Coutinho can "look after himself".
"Don't worry, he can look after himself - you can see he can use his body if needs be. His body work is great, and he's worked on it," he told reporters.
"Of course, he has to become adapted to the physical game here because it's very physical. But you can see already he has man strength.
"He's 20 years of age, but he's not a boy. He has genuine man strength. That will grow even more the longer he is in the country and gets physically that bit stronger and gets up with the tempo."
Coutinho is measured at 1.72m and weighs roughly 72kg.
Joe Fish
