Coutinho is ‘ahead of the rest’ in Brazil squad: Osorio

Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio said that Brazil ace midfielder Philippe Coutinho is the best player in Brazil and kept him ahead of the rest in Brazil’s squad.

Coutinho scored a screamer against Switzerland in Brazil’s opening game of the World Cup 2018 before the Selecao were held to a shock 1-1 draw by Switzerland. The 26-year old midfielder again proved to be the game-changer in Brazil’s 2-0 victory against Costa Rica as he broke the deadlock during the dying minutes of the game. He also assisted Paulinho in their third group stage match against Serbia, who opened the scoring for the Selecao in the 36th minute of the game from a sublime through ball by Coutinho that found its way to the 29-year old among several Serbian players.

After such a staggering run of form in this World Cup Coutinho is clearly the danger man for Mexico coach Osario, whose side face the five times world champions in the last 16 of the tournament.

According to a report from the Sport, in a press conference on Friday Osario explained a conversation he had with Brazil coach Tite when the draw for the group stages was made.

“At the draw, speaking with Tite, he asked me who I considered his best player," Osario said. "And I told him Coutinho, ahead of the rest.”

Osario said he believes Coutinho is the key player in Brazil’s squad as he kept him in his player-to-watch out list ahead of the talents like Neymar, Willian and Douglas Costa.

“No one doubts the talent that Brazil have in attack, with Willian, Douglas Costa, Neymar... but I think Coutinho makes the difference because he's a player that can play anywhere in midfield or further forward.

“He is a player we will have to watch out for and he's really important to Brazil's game.” Osario concluded.

Brazil will face Mexico in the knockout phase of the tournament on Monday at the Samara Arena.