HESKEY: COUTINHO SHOULD FOLLOW LUIS SUAREZ MODEL

Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey advises that unsettled playmaker Philippe Coutinho follow the Luis Suarez model if he wants to exit Anfield.

The Brazil international wanted to force a move away from Anfield this summer as his dream club Barcelona were seeking to reinforce.

Andres Iniesta was yet to agree a new deal and he was aging fast. Neymar’s transfer meant the team needed to return to team football with a new manager in place. Luis Enrique worked with the trident –Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. However in the absence of one and with the team lacking motivation to continue, the plan was change the style of play.

Coutinho is a gifted footballer in the middle and plays dominant attacking football that would fit Barca very well. He has also dreamt of playing at theNou Camp so it was a very convenient move. Had it happened earlier and he able to convince Coach Jurgen Klopp to sanction his transfer, it could have worked out very well.

Liverpool have been building a steady profile under Klopp and finances were pretty settled with the backing of owners Fenway Sports Group. With Barca racing to complete the deal and Liverpool not obligated to sell as the player signed a new deal this year, there was a stalemate.

Klopp wants the player to stay and help the club achieve successso he was not ready to approve such. Heskey has advised Coutinho to remain for the year and play his best so he can then move on later. The same model Luis Suarez employed when he wanted to leave Anfield. His move to Arsenal broke down but the Uruguayan worked hard before he moved to Spain and has been playing brilliant football.

There are reports of grievances with some players whose deal failed to happen like Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Sanchez and Coutinho. He is expected to return to action as Liverpool face Man City this weekend.