Philippe Coutinho has been Liverpool's perfect replacement for Luis Suarez, according to Jamie Carragher.
The iconic Anfield defender commended the performances of Coutinho following the Reds' 2-0 triumph over a turgid Newcastle side on Monday night.
Carragher believes that Coutinho's ability in tight areas has been of great benefit to Liverpool this season - and he is stepping up to the plate in the void left by Suarez.
Coutinho played a vital role in the win on Monday night, just as he has done throughout the course of the whole season for the Reds.
He had notched the winning goal in the FA Cup quarter-final over Blackburn a week earlier, and was also voted as John Terry's PFA Player of the Year.
Speaking on Monday Night Football, Carragher said: “The role he played tonight was the false nine we speak about a lot.
“We expect him in a wide area, but we saw some of his touches tonight and his ability in small spaces against players, some of the pieces of play he produced tonight.
“Last season Luis Suarez was Liverpool’s main man, the go-to man. But as this season has progressed, and for the future, Coutinho is Liverpool’s.
Carragher continued: “I don’t think that false nine role will be his. Obviously Sturridge is out. But we’ve seen him behind the front, the main striker tonight, and he was outstanding.
“He’s getting to that stage now where you put him up against Cazorla, Ozil, Mata, those type of players that play between the lines.
“We always throw goals and assists against them, and Coutinho has improved on that this season.
“He’s now the man where every time the ball goes to him we think: ‘Something is going to happen here’.
“When Liverpool were going for the title last year I still was not convinced he was a real top player, but he’s getting really close now.
“He looks the best player every week."
