The admiration and mutual respect that Philippe Coutinho and Neymar have for each other’s game is no secret. They’ve been close friends for almost 10 years now, their friendship dating all the way back to the time of embarrassing bathroom selfies, a formative point for anyone in their awkward teenage years.
"Hey everyone! Come see how good we look!" Photo: @LiamLFCButler | Twitter
The pair debuted for the Brazilian national team only months apart back in 2010, Neymar having gone on to accumulate 69 appearances and 46 goals for Brazil over the following years. Coutinho has only managed 12 caps and a solitary goal for Brazil over that same period, often overlooked by Brazil’s managers and struggling with his fair share of injuries.
However, Neymar caused quite a stir at the beginning of this season when he advocated for Coutinho’s transfer to Barcelona, saying “he has the style of Barcelona.”
Now, speaking with World Soccer Magazine’s Paul Hassall, Coutinho has returned the compliment. When asked if he expected Neymar to succeed Lionel Messi as the world’s best player, Coutinho’s response was certain.
“Without a doubt,” said Coutinho. “He’s already among the three best players in the world…He just keeps getting better and better. With every game he is able to express more and more of his natural gift.”
Neymar’s 2015/16 season has seen him enter the conversation for the world’s best player at only 24 years of age. For Coutinho, that comes as absolutely no surprise.
“I always knew he was set for greatness. In the youth teams you could see he was special,” said Coutinho. “We used to joke with him that he’d be the best in the world. It is not a surprise to any of us now because you could tell he was different.”
Photo: @messiologist | Twitter
With 21 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona this season, Neymar’s individual brilliance has been obvious to all observers. As for the persistent rumors of Coutinho heading to Barcelona?
“It’s great to hear this from someone who is not just a friend but is also one of the best players on the planet,” replied Coutinho when asked about Neymar's wish to see him at Barca. “Nobody knows what will happen in the future but…I’m happy at Liverpool and am really enjoying the moment.”
