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Welcome to ESPN FC's #PremRank.
ESPN FC is counting down the top 50 players in the Premier League right now, as voted for by various columnists, editors and analysts. Who makes the cut? Disagree with our list? Tell us on Twitter using the hashtag #PremRank.
Why Philippe Coutinho makes the list
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers describes this Brazilian midfielder as "his little genius" and feels he has the potential to develop into one of the finest players in the game. For a period this season, some were claiming he was performing better than anyone else in the Premier League. As Liverpool embarked on a mini-revival at the midway point of the campaign, Coutinho's impish brilliance offered their ambition a heartbeat.
A fine passer of the ball who boasts a stunningly powerful shooting boot, this is a young player who has so much in his repertoire. His crushing long-range goal on a wet day at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium in February was a notable highlight, as was his supreme finish in a win against Manchester City a week later. And yet consistency has not always been there for Coutinho this season. His young age confirms that this Brazil international has time to develop at Anfield and after signing a new contract with the club in February, Coutinho's future appears to be secure at Liverpool for years to come.
-- Kevin Palmer
The stats that tell the story
- Shared league lead with 67 shots from outside the penalty area this season.
- Second on Liverpool in touches and passes completed behind Jordan Henderson.
- Went one-on-one 192 times, seventh most in the league.
What the experts say
"Even without a dangerous frontman to supply with chances, Coutinho can often be a treat to watch just by himself. Full of trickery, one of football's great pleasures is to watch a defender being embarrassed -- as long as it's not one of your own, obviously." - Steven Kelly
"... reaching his potential in a new role... Coutinho has shown that he can dribble or pass his way around defenders and make Liverpool a more dangerous attacking team." - Adrian Melville
"He is a joy to work with and a joy to watch... He is a sensational footballer." - Brendan Rodgers
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