Philippe Coutinho will be Liverpool’s golden boy, insists Júlio Cesar

Júlio Cesar has backed his former Inter Milan team-mate Philippe Coutinho to become a star at Liverpool.

The 20-year-old penned a long-term deal with the Reds after completing an £8.7m switch to Anfield from the San Siro during the January transfer window.

Coutinho has already made two appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ side, scoring a superb solo effort on his full home debut in a 5-0 victory over Swansea City.

And Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Cesar, who played alongside the young playmaker at Inter, is confident Coutinho will be a success at Liverpool.

“I hope he can do well in a Liverpool shirt,” said Cesar.

“I send him my best wishes for his new adventure at Liverpool.’

“I am convinced that he will prove his quality because off the pitch he really is a golden boy and he’ll be able to assert himself.”

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva also insisted Coutinho would be a hit at Anfield but warned the club’s latest Brazilian may take time to settle into
life in the Premier League.

“He is still adapting. I have been talking to him about the pace here and even in training, he can feel it is much quicker than Italy,” said Lucas.

“He will need time to settle but the goal will give him. I’m sure he will be a great player for now and for the future of Liverpool.”