Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho     19     Midfielder     Inter

Hugely gifted and still just 19, attack minded midfielder Coutinho finally arrived at Inter in 2010 having been loaned back to Vasco de Gama following his transfer in 2008.

Looked particularly impressive for Brazil at the under 20 World Cup this summer and demonstrated the eye for goal which makes him such a tremendous prospect at the Giuseppe Meazza.

Managed to make eleven appearances for Inter last season and has maintained bench warming duties for the bulk of this year.  Despite the lack of starts, Coutinho has performed reasonably well when asked and all of the noises coming from the articulate young Brazilian suggest he is more than happy with his lot in Milan.  Any mention of loan moves have been swiftly rebuffed, but few weeks pass without a link of some form or other.

Coutinho is an intelligent footballer with outstanding technical ability.  Able to pick out incisive passes and finish with some aplomb, we really think the Brazilian will go on to become a force in world football.  He does seem to have suffered under the weight of expectation in Italy, but perhaps more than any other player on this list, Coutinho needs to be afforded time and a good environment to grow.  Should Inter be tempted to move him on then we hope for their sake they arrange a loan move only. 

Coutinho looks a good player and we expect to see a lot more of him.

"The Brazilian may be the one player who impressed under Rafael Benitez.  A very good technical and skilful player who, like many his age, struggles to find room in Italy." - Adam Digby (Journalist)

C       Stick at it.