Firmino explains how Coutinho has 'magical powers'

Roberto Firmino insists Philippe Coutinho has ‘magical powers’ after a brilliant performance in Brazil’s latest victory.

Coutinho was on target as Brazil romped to a 5-0 victory over Bolivia in Sao Paulo last Saturday in the first game of their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign. He also had a hand in Jose Maria Carrasco’s own goal.

The Barcelona playmaker linked-up well with his teammates and generally tried to make things happen in attack, capping off his performance by heading in an inch-perfect cross from Neymar for Brazil’s fifth goal.

Now Firmino, who also played alongside Coutinho at Liverpool between 2015 and 2018, has opened up on what makes the ‘Little Magician’ so special.

“He’s phenomenal,” the Reds striker told FIFA.com on Coutinho.

“You simply can’t say that he’s not a magician. He has magical powers. He produces plays that don’t exist, that you couldn’t make up.

“You always have to watch replays of his plays to understand what he’s done. He’s an unbelievable player. It was a pleasure to play with him at Liverpool, and it’s a pleasure to play with him for the Selecao.

“I’m a huge fan of his. He’s one of the very best players in the world.”

Firmino also entered the scoresheet against Bolivia twice, as did Paris Saint-Germain star Marquinhos.

Coutinho, meanwhile, will have another chance to flash his magic for Brazil in another World Cup qualifier away to Peru on Wednesday morning.