Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino are away on international duty together and they both got on the scoresheet against Bolivia this morning.
Brazil coach Tite’s decision to play Coutinho over Willian has been vindicated by the Liverpool star grabbing a goal.
According to the Liverpool Echo, the Brazil boss responded to questions about the Reds’ midfielder, “Why Coutinho instead of Willian? There’s a reason he is called the Magician [by Liverpool fans].
“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.”
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Firmino also got in on the act.
Jurgen Klopp will be pleased to see his Brazilian duo continuing their fine form into the international break and he will hope that it stretches through until the 17th when Liverpool face Manchester United at Anfield.
Between the two of them, Coutinho(5) and Firmino(3) have been directly involved in eight goals this season. Their importance to Liverpool cannot be understated but it seems as though their influence with Brazil is growing.
Neither have been consistently involved on the international stage but their form for Liverpool cannot be ignored as Tite has admitted. This is good and bad as it means lots of travelling during international breaks but it gives them the chance to prove themselves and become regulars ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.