In the soul soothing victory for Liverpool a few days ago, Philippe Coutinho created a new record by becoming the top Brazilian scorer in the Premier League. He scored his 30th goal with a well-taken finish against the Potters and broke Juninho’s record of 29 goals that the Brazilian had scored in three spells for Middlesbrough. Coutinho had equalled Juninho’s record a week ago when he scored against Bournemouth. The Teesside man had scored 29 goals in seven games less than what Coutinho achieved the feat in.
Overall, 42 Brazilian players have scored in the Premier League with some big names featuring in the top 10. Manchester City striker Robinho scored 14 times whereas three Chelsea players feature in the coveted list. Willian, Oscar and Ramires feature in the list along with Coutinho’s partner in crime Roberto Firmino who already has 21 goals to his name in just 62 appearances.
Looking at the names from Brazil who have plied their trade in the Premier League, it is easy to say that Coutinho is the best Brazilian attacker that the league has ever seen. None of the players that are mentioned above have ever been as important to their team as the little magician has been for the Reds. After his arrival in 2013 from Inter Milan, Coutinho has slowly gone on to become Liverpool’s main man in recent seasons and has seen his stock value reach great heights.
The likes of Oscar and Willian have won more honours than Coutinho but they never were Chelsea’s best hope of changing the course of the game. Oscar was shipped to China while Willian has relinquished his place in the starting lineup to former Barcelona star Pedro. In the meantime, Coutinho has increased his reputation in Merseyside manifolds and is rumoured to be the prime summer target for FC Barcelona.
Unlike the Chelsea players or Robinho, Coutinho has been immense in the big games and has helped Liverpool to victories from the clutches of defeat numerous times in recent years. His goal against Manchester City in the 2013/14 season raised hopes of an entire city. His chip against the Red Devils in the last season’s Europa League and the goal against Borussia Dortmund in the quarters came at crucial junctures, when the team needed him to deliver.
His importance to this Liverpool side is not just significant because of his goal scoring threat. Coutinho is a genius in threading out passes and has a brilliant understanding on the field with Firmino and Daniel Sturridge. No other Brazilian player has had an impact on the league as Coutinho has done in his four years in the Premier League. If he stays for a couple more years with the Reds, he will write down his name in the club’s folklore and will easily go down as the best Brazilian attacker to ever grace the Premier League.
