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Brendan Rodgers wants Philippe Coutinho in central role

Rodgers wants Coutinho in central role
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers reveals that Philippe Coutinho will move into a more central role as soon as he feels that his side have sufficient quality on the wings.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has outlined his plan to move Philippe Coutinho into a more central role next season.

Coutinho has operated on the left wing for much of his short Liverpool career so far, cutting inside in order to create chances for teammates or himself.

However, Rodgers believes that the Brazilian's best position is just behind the striker and hopes to add sufficient quality on the wings during the transfer window to enable himself to move the 21-year-old into the middle.

"No question, Coutinho's best position is the No. 10, and once we get the right kind of quality to put on the sides, he will play in that central role. That is where he affects the game best," Rodgers told the club's official website.

"At the moment, he has the licence to jump in and come inside - joining in and making passes, and we accommodate defensively when he does that. But there is no doubt, his best position is in the middle."

Coutinho made 13 appearances for Liverpool last season after joining them in January, scoring three goals and creating another seven in the process.

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Brendan Rodgers manager of Liverpool applause to fans during the match between the Indonesia XI and Liverpool FC on July 20, 2013
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