Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has declared that he sees Philippe Coutinho's best position as a central playmaker, describing the Brazilian as a "joy to watch" on a daily basis.

Coutinho has won plenty of plaudits for assured displays in midfield since joining the Reds in January, scoring three goals in 14 appearances on Merseyside.

Rodgers thinks that the 21-year-old can help Liverpool forget about failed attempts to sign Willian, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Diego Costa this summer, by thriving in an advanced central position.

He told The Mirror: "He's a wonderful player, a joy to watch. He's just turned 21 and he has a great career ahead of him. I have no doubts about him stepping up onto the big stage. I've seen him play in Champions League games for Inter. He has the temperament and quality.

"He was was only 18, 19, when he started at Inter and notoriously in Italy, a lot of young players don't get the opportunity. Hence, he went to Espanyol on loan. When I was aware he was available, having known of him when he was in Brazil, I thought it would be perfect for us and he has just got physically better.

"His ideal position is the number 10 role. I've seen him play when Inter had two advanced players and one holding, and he was one of the advanced players," he added. Whether it's a two or a one, he can play in that role, or from the side, but centrally is where I see him. He's just a really honest, good young player."

Coutinho looks likely to keep his place in the Liverpool side for their first away match in the Premier League tomorrow, a trip to face Aston Villa.