Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho could be as big at Liverpool as King Kenny Dalglish, Peter Beardsley says.

Peter Beardsley believes Brazilian Philippe Coutinho has shown the potential to replicate Kenny Dalglish's exploites at Anfield.

Coutinho immediately became an integral member of the Reds' squad when he joined the side at the end of January and this season he will be an all-important part of Rodgers' attacking line-up once more.

And Beardsley, who featured for Liverpool under Dalglish during the 80s, believes that Coutinho could stage a repeat of the brilliance the Scot produced during his playing career.

"I love Coutinho. He is outstanding and has unbelievable ability," Coutinho told the Liverpool Echo. "He's better than I ever was and I really mean that. He's miles better than me.

"If he stays here for a long time he's got a chance of being as big as Kenny - that kind of stature.

"I look at his ability and I think he could be the new Kenny Dalglish. He is a very special player."

Rodgers has had mixed success with his transfer dealings since moving to Anfield in the summer of 2012 summer and in this window he has made a host of signings which will be tasked with helping the Reds to Champions League qualification.

And Beardsley believes that Rodgers was on the money with Coutinho, showing that Liverpool are very much at the forefront of the transfer market.

He explained: "It was a smart signing by Brendan. I don't think anyone saw it coming and he was a real bargain.

"He's very much a team player. Look at the pleasure he got from the goal Daniel Sturridge scored against Stoke last weekend. It was only a small thing but I liked that. He's happy for other people.

"Players like that will give the ball away at times because they take risks. But even when it doesn't quite come off, there is excitement among the fans because they can see what he was trying to do.

"A knowledgeable Anfield crowd have taken him to their hearts. They expect all their players, no matter how talented, to work hard and he certainly does that.

"He's an interceptor rather than a tackler but he will run and run and put people under pressure."