Philippe Coutinho should be in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Brazil squad according to the Liverpool midfielder’s club manager Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers, speaking to the Liverpool Echo, acknowledged how difficult it is to attain a Seleção place but believes the youngster should be involved in the side.
He also revealed that he doesn’t think it bothers Coutinho too much but believes he’ll be fighting extremely hard to try and secure a place.
“It’s so difficult isn’t it?” Rodgers said. “Brazil have so many good players, but for me he should be in the squad.
“I don’t believe it bothers him so much because he’s still very young. I’m sure every Brazilian player would love the opportunity to play in a home Word Cup.
“It’s not down to him, but I think you’ll see him fight even harder to get in there.”
Coutinho’s chances of squeezing into Scolari’s World Cup squad seem to have all but diminished after he was left out of the squad for Brazil’s friendly against South Africa in March.
However, the 22-year-old has been receiving high acclaim from his Premier League manager, who believes the flare player is combining steel with skill for Liverpool.
Rodgers added: “When I first saw Philippe, he was playing in a central position. I think he’s better on the inside when he starts in there.
“Coutinho can also play as a number 10, and we did that in the second half against Fulham.
“What you see as well is that wee bit of steel he’s got. You watched him against Arsenal, the intensity of his pressing, and if you spoke to him he would say he’s really improved his defensive qualities too.
“Irrespective of his height, he has the physical strength to do that, the ability to press.”
