Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks has claimed that Coutinho is intimidated when Steven Gerrard is on the pitch alongside him.
While Gerrard has been recovering from injury in the last few weeks Coutinho has been in blistering form. His goal against Manchester City on Sunday was his second stunning strike in as many weeks.
Crooks thinks Coutinho will not be as effective when Gerrard returns from injury against Burnley on Wednesday.
“I’m not surprised that he is growing with every game in the absence of club captain Steven Gerrard.
“I’ve been in enough dressing rooms over the years to note that senior players, however exceptional, have the ability to intimidate younger professionals.
“It will be fascinating to observe how Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers handles the situation between now and the end of the season.”
“I’m not surprised that he is growing with every game in the absence of club captain Steven Gerrard. I’ve been in enough dressing rooms over the years to note that senior players, however exceptional, have the ability to intimidate younger professionals. It will be fascinating to observe how Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers handles the situation between now and the end of the season.”
