Coutinho is ‘finding his happiness again’ with Brazil - Thiago Silva

The defender says he’s been the team’s best player

Philippe Coutinho is rediscovering his happiness while on international duty with Brazil, according to team-mate Thiago Silva.

The Barcelona midfielder is coming off the back of a tough season but scored a penalty in Brazil’s 7-0 thumping of Honduras on Sunday.

Silva reckons Coutinho has been the team’s best player in their last two matches and says the team need him to step up with Neymar to miss the Copa America due to injury.

“The collective game comes first. Coutinho had a difficult season in Barcelona. It was demanding and they booed him many times, but here in the team he is our reference, especially when we don’t have Neymar,” he said.

“Coutinho calls for the game. In the two friendlies we played he was the best player on the pitch, not only because of passes and goals, but also with his defence. He is finding his happiness again.

“I’m very happy and not at all comfortable talking about this player because we are very close. In the first friendly, I tried to pass him some calmness, and I told Neymar also to give him help. We need him, especially now with the absence of Neymar.”

Source | Fox Sports

Coutinho’s Barcelona future looks uncertain after a tough spell that has brought all sorts of speculation. It has been reported Barcelona will look to sell if they receive a good offer for their Brazilian, and a strong showing at the Copa America will likely have an impact on where he plays next season.

Source: barcablaugranes.com