We’re starting to develop a lot more respect for Brazil coach Tite than his predecessor Dunga, in truth.
The man that left in the summer rarely picked Coutinho and never chosen Roberto Firmino, regularly choosing veteran Kaka, a current MLS playmaker instead, throughout his tenure.
Tite though will start Coutinho for Brazil in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Bolivia, although Firmino is expected to begin from the bench with Gabriel Jesus playing centrally.
Coutinho’s role in the side had belonged to Chelsea’s Willian, but our no.10’s genius has earned him the pivotal creative role.
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“Why Coutinho instead of Willian? There’s a reason he is called the Magician [by Liverpool fans],” he told ESPN.
“It was a difficult decision for me, but right now this is Coutinho’s moment. And in football, you have to follow the moment.
“With his passes Coutinho opens the lines, creates space. I like his mobility, he was influential in both games when he came on.
“The two appearances by Coutinho… his moment, the composition. It is with mastery, not only because the opponent was tired.”
We really hope Coutinho impresses in the two upcoming games, but really our priority is that he returns to England fully fit. It’s lucky that our game against Manchester United is on Monday, as Coutinho and Firmino won’t return from South America until Thursday.