Liverpool legend Ian Rush has praised Philippe Coutinho for developing into a 'standout' player in the Premier League.
The Brazil international has impressed early on this season after scoring Liverpool's winner against Stoke City on the opening day, and Rush says that the attacking midfielder has matured since joining from Inter Milan.
"Coutinho is really starting to stand out now and he plays with a lot more confidence within himself," he told Sky Sports. "He looks different now. He looked like a little boy when he came in even though his quality was obvious, but he's a man now who knows what he has to do on the pitch. He puts himself into the tackles now. He doesn't shy away or anything.
"Coutinho's learned a lot from playing in the Premier League for the last couple of years. He's maturing as a person and as a player but he's still only young.
"I think the arrival of Firmino has helped him as well. Having another Brazilian around is good for him and I am sure they will help each other."
Coutinho, 23, has so far contributed 17 goals and 21 assists in 105 appearances for Liverpool.
Miles Jolliffe
