Coutinho on the same level as Neymar, says Dani Alves

Dani Alves is never short of things to say and he’s been talking about Brazil and specifically Barcelona new-boy Philippe Coutinho.

Coutinho scored his ninth international goal against Russia on Friday and put in a strong display as Tite’s side eased to a 3-0 win at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Alves has heaped praise on his team-mate and said he’s on the same level as Neymar, who is of course currently absent due to injury.

“I think that Coutinho is a player who is on the same level as Ney, he has a massive influence on our game and in his teams,” he said.

”When he was in Liverpool and now in Barca, he has improved a lot and learned to read the game better, to make the right decisions.

”That is great to see, to play with such a good footballer who has that ability. There are others who are similar. We are lucky to play with great players and have them on our side is fantastic. We have to get the best out of them and build a solid team.”

Source | Goal

Coutinho and Brazil are now in Berlin where they will take on Germany on Tuesday. Coutinho won’t come up against Marc-Andre ter Stegen though as the goalkeeper is being rested because of a minor knee problem.