World Cup winner Xavi has backed Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho to improve Barcelona if he decides to swap Anfield for Camp Nou. He has been in fine form for the Reds and along with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, has helped them move to the top of the league table.

The 24-year-old has excelled under Jurgen Klopp's guidance, which has seen him score five goals and register five assists in 11 games this season. His club form has seen him become a regular for Brazil.

Coutinho's impressive display has seen him attract interest from Barcelona. According to the Catalan publication Sport, Luis Enrique's side are keen on bringing the Brazil international to Spain.

"There are not many players that can improve Barcelona, but if you are asking me if he [Coutinho] is one of them, on this form, I think he is. Technically he is very good. He would suit Barcelona's philosophy well," Xavi told Goal.com.

The former Spain international is currently with the Qatari club Al Sadd SC and is aware that a player needs to be at the top level to play for Barcelona. Xavi has urged Coutinho not to focus on the recent speculations surrounding his future and advised him to stay focused as he believes Liverpool have a chance of winning the title this term.

"Coutinho is a player I have always thought is special - but under [Liverpool coach Jurgen] Klopp he has gone up another level. On form there are not any better midfield players in Europe," he explained.

"He has always shown quality but now he is consistently playing well and that is good news for Liverpool if they want to really challenge for the title. He is playing under one of the most intelligent coaches in Europe. Klopp has a lot of experience at developing world-class players, so it is a good club for him to be at.

"When you play at the level he is there is always going to be talk, but for now he needs to ignore all that and stay focused, because I think Liverpool have a real chance this season," he added.

Philippe Coutinho
Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho has been linked with a move to Barcelona Getty