'He has magical powers': Roberto Firmino hails Philippe Coutinho as 'one of the best players in the world' after starring for Brazil against Bolivia and rekindling his best form for Barcelona
- Philippe Coutinho has been given a second opportunity at Barcelona this term
- He has started to rekindle his best form after his Barca career looked all but over
- And Coutinho has taken his fine form with him on international duty for Brazil
- Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has hailed his 'phenomenal' Brazil team-mate
Roberto Firmino has heaped special praise onto Brazil team-mate Philippe Coutinho, labelling him as 'one of the best players in the world'.
Coutinho has enjoyed a revival after being given a second opportunity at Barcelona and he has taken his fine form with him on international duty, starring for Brazil against Bolivia on Saturday.
Brazil opened their World Cup qualifying campaign with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Bolivia, with Coutinho scoring the final goal while being involved in most of his country's best attacks during the match.
![Roberto Firmino described Brazil team-mate Philippe Coutinho as having 'magical powers'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/13/13/34333884-8834753-image-a-59_1602590545347.jpg)
Roberto Firmino described Brazil team-mate Philippe Coutinho as having 'magical powers'
And following that performance, Firmino has hailed 'phenomenal' Coutinho - with the pair having played alongside each other for Liverpool between 2015 and 2018.
Firmino, who also scored twice against Bolivia, told FIFA.com: 'He's phenomenal. 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.
![Coutinho starred for Brazil as they thrashed Bolivia 5-0 during their World Cup qualifier](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/13/13/34333868-8834753-image-a-60_1602590606106.jpg)
Coutinho starred for Brazil as they thrashed Bolivia 5-0 during their World Cup qualifier
'I'm a huge fan of his. He's one of the very best players in the world.'
Coutinho is starting to rekindle his best form just months after his Barcelona career appeared all but over.
Coutinho was expected to leave Barcelona this summer after returning from his loan spell at Bayern Munich, but he has started every game under Ronald Koeman so far this season in La Liga.
The midfielder already has two assists and one goal to his name in three La Liga fixtures.
Coutinho has been enjoying his football very much of late and he will be desperate to continue his impressive form when Brazil take on Peru away in their next World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.
![The midfielder has been given a second chance at Barcelona and is relishing his opportunity](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/13/13/34334390-8834753-image-a-61_1602590672387.jpg)
The midfielder has been given a second chance at Barcelona and is relishing his opportunity
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