When Philippe Coutinho curled in his 30th Premier League goal during Liverpool’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Stoke last weekend, he didn’t just secure three points for the Reds—he etched his name into history as the highest-scoring Brazilian in England’s top flight. The man whose record he broke, Middlesbrough legend Juninho, couldn’t be happier to pass the torch.
Juninho’s Heartfelt Endorsement of Coutinho
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Mail, Juninho—a cult hero during his two spells at Middlesbrough—praised Coutinho as the rightful heir to his record. “I am delighted that he takes my record,” the former playmaker said. “I can’t think of anyone better—the record couldn’t be in better hands.”
Juninho didn’t stop there. He boldly declared Coutinho as Brazil’s second-best player, trailing only Barcelona superstar Neymar. “Coutinho can be considered, after Neymar, the best player in Brazil. He’s a different class, and he deserves everything he is achieving because he has worked very hard for it.”
Coutinho’s landmark goal against Stoke cemented his place in Premier League history.
Coutinho’s Resurgence After Injury
The 24-year-old has been instrumental for Liverpool this season, despite a slow start due to an ankle injury. His creativity, vision, and knack for scoring crucial goals have made him indispensable to Jürgen Klopp’s system. Juninho, who also played for Atlético Madrid, highlighted Coutinho’s intelligence as his greatest asset.
“If you have an intelligence to your game, then you can find the space on the pitch,” Juninho explained. “Because the game in England is so fast, that means a lot of the time it is also very open.”
He added, “One of Coutinho’s biggest qualities is that ability to find the space. People think that type of player will have more difficulties adapting to English football than, say, Spanish football, but in England, I found a lot more space than I did in Spain.”
Why Coutinho Thrives in the Premier League
Juninho’s insight sheds light on why Coutinho has excelled under Klopp’s high-pressing, fast-transition style. “The intensity is there, but if you get past the first wave of pressure, then the pitch opens up,” he noted. This tactical nuance has allowed Coutinho to flourish, whether cutting inside from the left or orchestrating play from midfield.
With Liverpool pushing for a top-four finish and Coutinho back to his best, fans can expect more magical moments from the Brazilian maestro. As Baji999 analysis shows, his blend of skill, work ethic, and football IQ makes him one of the most exciting players in the world today.
Conclusion: A Record Well Earned
Philippe Coutinho’s ascent to the top of the Premier League’s Brazilian scorers list is a testament to his talent and perseverance. Juninho’s glowing endorsement only reinforces what Liverpool fans already know—Coutinho is a special player.
What do you think? Is Coutinho truly Brazil’s second-best after Neymar? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned to Baji999 for more in-depth football analysis!
