As with many of his contemporaries, Coutinho started his footballing career in futsal. As part of Vasco da Gama's youth system, he moved quickly up the ranks and signed for Inter Milan before joining Liverpool in January 2013.

Coutinho was noticed early by the Brazilian youth set-up and picked up numerous youth titles at international level, while he stayed at Vasco on loan until his 18th birthday.

His last act in Brazil was to help his side to win the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie B trophy in 2009, before he arrived in Italy in July 2010 having put pen to paper two years earlier on a €4 million deal with the club.

Viewed as the future of the club, he won the Supercoppa Italiana and FIFA Club World Cup in his first season but was not able to hold down a regular first-team place and was sent out on loan to Espanyol in 2012.

With Wesley Sneijder out of favour at Inter, Coutinho became more important in the 2012-13 season but was repeatedly linked with a move to Liverpool and chose to move to Anfield for around £8.5 million in January.

Strengths: His creative flair allows him to unlock a defence and he is versatile enough to make an impact right across the width of the pitch, while he can move in on goal himself to play as a forward.

Weaknesses: Not physically imposing and has been found wanting at key moments.

Career high: Won the Supercoppa Italiana and FIFA Club World Cup in 2010, while making the breakthrough into the Inter first-team.

Career low: In January 2012, he was told to move on loan and decided to join Espanyol.

Style: Creative, tricky, skilful, a flair player who can unlock a defence.

Quotes: "He can be the future of Inter." Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti in 2010.

Trivia: Philipinho is the nickname he is affectionately called by his family.