Former AC Milan and Real Madrid star Kaka believes Liverpool FC should build their side around Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho.
Coutinho became the only Liverpool player to be featured in the PFA Team of the Year 2014-15.
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He was also named the Liverpool FC Player of the Season as the Merseyside outfit finished a disappointing sixth in the Premier League.
The Brazil star scored a stunning long range goal for Liverpool FC in their opening Premier League tie against Stoke City which the Reds won 1-0.
Kaka hails Coutinho, reckons he can fill Gerrard’s shoe
Coutinho, who is looking to emulate Ricardo Kaka to become Brazil’s first choice no. 10, has been praised by none other than the man himself, who says that he is a big admirer of the Liverpool FC playmaker.
As quoted by the Mirror, Kaka said: a I have been a big admirer of Coutinho and he can be a very important player for Liverpool and Brazil.
a There will be a lot of expectation on him with Liverpool fighting to get back into the Champions League, but I know that he can handle it.
a One great player doesna t make a team, but you can build a team around one great player, and I believe he can be that player.”
Kaka, who was renowned during his playing days with AC Milan and Real Madrid for keeping his feet firmly on the ground touted that the Liverpool FC playmaker can go onto to fill the shoes of none other than Steven Gerrard
He said: a Coutinho is a humble guy. He won’t talk about being able to replace a legend like Steven Gerrard, and the truth is nobody could ever replace him, but with Gerrard gone they do need somebody to step up a and he can do that.a
“Firmino will be a big player for Liverpool”
Liverpool FC have signed Coutinho’s Brazil team mate Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim in the summer. Kaka has backed the new Reds’ signing to succeed.
Kaka said: a Firmino will be a big player for Liverpool, too, and will have a good relationship on the field with Coutinho, but the fans must give him time,
a He has come for a big transfer fee, but still you must remember he is adjusting to a new league and that always takes time.a
Firmino struck a hat-trick for Liverpool FC in a behind-closed-door friendly after making his Premier League bow on Sunday against Stoke where he played the final 12 minutes of the game.