John Aldridge believes that Philippe Coutinho will provide much needed pace up front for Liverpool, with the playmaker creating an impressive attacking line-up alongside the likes of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

Coutinho made the move to the Reds close to deadline day in the January transfer window and the 20 year old has already put in promising performances for the side as they look to challenge for a top four spot.

Aldridge believes that with Coutinho on board, as well as recent signing Sturridge, Liverpool will be producing a lot more results like their 5-0 thrashing over Swansea at the weekend.

"It will take time for him to get used to the pace and physical nature of the Premier League," he said in the Liverpool Echo. "It can be hard to settle in England but the signs against Swansea on Sunday were promising.

Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho can provide a dangerous pace for Liverpool, John Aldridge argues.

"Coutinho clearly has great control and technique.

"And once he gets past a defender they aren't going to catch him. That blistering pace over the first five yards was great to see.

"Pace really hurts teams and with Coutinho up there with Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez and Stewart Downing we've now got it in abundance."

For Liverpool, the season has so far been one of mixed success, with supporters enjoying the performances of Suarez but seeing far too many poor displays culminate in losses.

After a disappointing summer, in which the club let £35 million purchase Andy Carroll go on loan without finding a replacement, Liverpool had few attacking options and were forced to buy in January.

Now they will hope their future is in safe hands with Sturridge and Coutinh both impressing and showing signs that they can be big players for the club for many years to come.