Neymar: 'Philippe Coutinho can replace Luis Suarez for Liverpool'

Barcelona attacker Neymar has expressed his belief that Philippe Coutinho can fill the void left by Luis Suarez at Liverpool this season.

The Reds struggled during the early stages of the campaign having sold Suarez to Barcelona during the summer, but they have enjoyed an upturn in form recently, with Coutinho at the heart of their revival.

Neymar has known the attacking midfielder since the age of 16 due to their involvement in the same Brazilian youth teams, and the winger is confident that his compatriot can become the Premier League's "star player".

"He can be the star player in England. This season I think everybody in England is seeing how talented he is - and I know he has a lot more to show," Neymar is quoted as saying by The Mirror.

"We have been good friends since we were 16. Not only is he a fantastic player, he is a good guy to have in the dressing room, always positive and making jokes. I think since Luis joined us at Barcelona, Liverpool have not had that one player they can look to for that special moment.

"Couto can be that player for them I'm sure. When he has the ball at his feet, he can make things happen for himself and he can make things happen for other players. He is a very special player."

Coutinho scored a late winner for Liverpool in their FA Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday night.