Outgoing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has tipped Philippe Coutinho to be ‘the next big thing’, following his clean sweep of the end of season awards.
The Brazilian was voted the Player of the Year and the Players’ Player of the Year, while he also won Goal of the Season and Performance of the Season for his efforts against Southampton and Manchester City respectively.
Gerrard, who picked up the Outstanding Achievement award on Tuesday night, used his acceptance speech to lavish praise on his teammate, who he believes has the ability to become the new idol of the Kop.
Coutinho, 22, recently pledged his future to Anfield and Gerrard hopes the Samba star can carry Liverpool forward when he leaves to join LA Galaxy.
"I'm bored of speaking about myself," said the outgoing Liverpool captain. "I want to pay tribute to Philippe.
Gerrard also remains confident that his side can bounce back from a disappointing campaign. “I love all these lads to death and wish them every success in the future,” he added.
“I believe there’s a great core of players here and I’m sure they will strengthen in the summer and compete for everything on offer.”