Phil Thompson says Liverpool now have a ‘very clever’ player who reminds him of Philippe Coutinho

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Liverpool fans will have fond memories of Philippe Coutinho, who enjoyed several superb years at Anfield.

The attacker has since returned to his homeland, with Bruno Guimaraes reacting to Coutinho’s move to Vasco da Gama.

Coutinho once set the Premier League alight with Liverpool, where he scored 54 goals from his 201 appearances.

The Reds now have a long list of star attackers currently trying to replicate his success, all of which will want to play key roles under Arne Slot.

The Dutchman has a big decision to make when deciding his attack for his first competitive game against Ipswich Town later this month.

Phil Thompson makes Fabio Carvalho claim at Liverpool

One player that could be involved is Fabio Carvalho, who is now back at Liverpool after his loan moves last season.

The attacker spent time at both RB Leipzig and Southampton, and has been linked with a permanent move this summer.

READ MORE: Liverpool’s most expensive/record transfer sales

Liverpool want £25.7million for Carvalho, who has now been compared to Coutinho by another former Anfield icon following his latest feats in pre-season.

“Carvalho scored two goals against Arsenal, against Man United,” Liverpool legend Thompson said on talkSPORT (8.38am, 6 August).

“He is a very clever footballer, likes to get between the lines. I know he is a bit of a lightweight, but he is very much like Coutinho and he can deliver.”

Will Fabio Carvalho get a chance under Arne Slot?

Jurgen Klopp clearly didn’t think Carvalho was ready to shine at first-team level, having twice sent him out on loan.

But the 21-year-old is back on Merseyside and is among the players trying to impress Slot before the season starts.

READ MORE: Liverpool’s most expensive/record transfer fees

Carvalho may, however, have already done enough, having netted in the pre-season wins against Arsenal and Manchester United in the USA.

But Slot did not have his full squad available, with several big-name players having only just reported back for club duty.

Moreover, the new man in the Anfield dugout could delve into the transfer market for new players, which could see Carvalho drop down the pecking order.