Welcome to #CopaRank, a weeklong look at the top 25 players we expect to see at the Copa America Centenario. Over 50 ESPN FC experts and writers from around the globe voted, and we're rolling out the results right up to opening day, U.S. vs. Colombia, on Friday.
Why is Philippe Coutinho in the top 25?
Possessing top-level technical ability plus speed, agility and vision, the Brazilian pulls the strings in the attacking end for Liverpool in the Premier League. Coutinho follows a long lineage of playmakers from his country. His ability on the ball is what people think of when they imagine a Brazilian player; smart, smooth, quick with his decisions and cutting with his movement. He's been one of Liverpool's best players and earned a nomination for PFA Player of the Year because of his consistent contributions to the Reds' attack.
What the experts say about Coutinho:
"Sometimes you have to work really, really hard to make football look easy. That is what Phil did. It was not a perfect start for him, but he came back and he was cool enough in the right moment, to shoot at the right moment. That is his quality, of course." -Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
"I am very happy that he is having success at Liverpool. There is potential to be the best player in the world; of that there is no doubt. But it will depend on what happens around him. He is only going to get better." -Former Brazil international Lucio.
Career highlight:
The 23-year-old emerged with Liverpool just in time to play a major role in the club's run to the Europa League final this season. The Brazilian scored and assisted in the second-leg 4-3 win over Dortmund that put Liverpool into the final against Sevilla.
Stat of the season:
Coutinho led Liverpool in shots per game this season with 4.3.
What's next for Coutinho after the Copa America Centenario?
Klopp hasn't addressed Coutinho's future at the club directly, but there's no reason to think that the Brazilian won't be back at Anfield as a fixture of the German manager's team in his first full season on the job.
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