PHILIPPE COUTINHO is a "talisman" for Liverpool, claims former midfielder Jamie Redknapp.
Coutinho has been at the heart of everything that has been good with Liverpool going forward this season.
The Reds are the joint-highest scoring team in the Premier League alongside leaders Manchester City.
And the Brazil international has been in red hot form, scoring twice and providing three assists in his last five games.
And former Liverpool midfielder Redknapp has heaped praise on Coutinho, branding him a "magician" and "talisman" for the club.
"The Brazilian magician is my favourite Liverpool player to watch right now," Redknapp told Sky Sports.
"He's the one I look forward to seeing. I'd have loved to have played with someone like him.
Liverpool training in the dark at Melwood
Tue, November 1, 2016Click through the gallery for the best snaps of Liverpool training in the dark at Melwood
Click through the gallery for the best snaps of Liverpool training
"He's only 24 but he's such a talented player and he's become Liverpool's talisman.
"When Liverpool are struggling, he's the one they look to and more often than not he takes the game by the scruff of the neck."
And Redknapp believes the Brazil international is as good any playmaker in the Premier League, including Mesut Ozil and David Silva.
"When it comes to picking a combined Premier League XI, there's some fierce competition for who you'd have in that playmaker role," Redknapp added.
"David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Mesut Ozil are all brilliant players, but on his day Coutinho is as good as anyone."
Coutinho has made 11 appearances in all competitions this term for Liverpool. scoring five times and providing five assists.