Coutinho: I'll keep pushing myself - I want to be better

The playmaker was at his devastating best, scoring one and assisting one in the Reds’ rout of Manuel Pellegrini’s side, taking his tally to four goals in his last three matches.

It’s such form that has today earned him a place in the Goal50 – a list of the 50 best footballers in the world over the past year voted for by editors of Goal.com’s 37 editions, representing more than 500 journalists.

Coutinho is one of just 15 stars from the Barclays Premier League to make the cut, but he’s not about to rest on his laurels when it comes to continuing to try to enhance his own game.

He told Goal.com: “I feel that I’ve grown a lot as a player [over the last year]. I’ve spent time working on the areas I knew I needed to improve, like scoring more, and I still have to push myself but I’ve come a long way.

“I had some difficulties in Italy when I was younger; only a few chances to play, injuries, not feeling my best, worrying about my family, but everything has fallen into place. I’m happy now and settled.

“I’m playing all the time, I’m learning and becoming stronger so this is all good for me.

“Every game day is special for me. The hours seem to go so slow, when I want it to come faster. I can’t wait for kick-off, because I love playing. I still feel all these emotions before a match.

“I will always keep learning and pushing myself. I always want to be better.

“I want my family and friends to be proud of me, and I want to be proud of me. Every day is a new chance to grow, and that is what I want. Team trophies will be important. That is a main thing.

“I become a father soon so that is another exciting challenge - a blessing - that I cannot wait for.”

It’s been an action-packed 2015 so far for Coutinho, with his penchant for the spectacular being reinforced by a series of long-range strikes and superlative performances.

Indeed, the 23-year-old was named as Liverpool’s Player of the Season for 2014-15 and is already putting up a strong case to be in the running once again when the current campaign concludes in May.

“It’s been personally a good year for me, with big moments, some good goals and receiving awards,” reflected Coutinho.

“To be named the best player at Liverpool was an honour and not something I could've imagined a few years ago. 

“I represented my country at the Copa, which I was proud of and even though I’m young, I feel like a senior player now. It will be a year I won't forget.

“I’m more complete, with more confidence and different experiences to learn from.”