Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva: Philippe Coutinho will become a ‘great player’

Lucas Leiva has backed Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho to become a “great player” at Anfield.

The Brazil international scored on his first start for the Reds in a 5-0 victory over Swansea City in the Premier League on Sunday.

Coutinho penned a long-term deal with the Merseyside outfit after completing an £8.7m switch to Liverpool from Inter Milan in January.

Lucas, who joined from Gremio in 2007, admits his compatriot will take time to adjust to the English top flight but is confident Coutinho’s move will prove a success.

“I’m really happy for him,” Lucas told Liverpool’s website.

“We were talking about the pace of the Premier League and even with the training sessions he has found it is much quicker than in Italy.

“He will need time to settle but that goal will give him confidence. We could see a lot of positive things from him against Swansea. Hopefully he will be a great player for now and for the future as he’s only 20 but he will need time.

“Every single young player who comes to the Premier League finds it difficult when they first come. It will be the same for him.”

He added: “I’ve told him about how he will be successful here. He is trying to adapt and play quick because he knows he needs that tempo to be successful.

“He has the skills and the ability to do well. We just need to support and help him.”