Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has declared that compatriot Philippe Coutinho could become an important player for the Reds in the near future.

Coutinho impressed on his full debut at Anfield last weekend as Liverpool thrashed Swansea City 5-0 to go seventh in the Premier League.

Lucas has revealed that Coutinho is still held in high regard by Brazilian fans and thinks that the 20-year-old will only improve during his time on Merseyside.

He told The Mirror: "There is no doubt he will be a great player for now and for the future of Liverpool, we could see good things from him.

"His reputation in Brazil is actually very high but he left home very early. He was only a boy. We could not see him playing in the first team in Brazil back then, because he had only played a few games. When he was at Inter, he didn't get the opportunities he thought he would get, but he still showed his promise.

"Here this is a new challenge for him. He has settled very well and it will help him that there are a few South American players here already. We will help him settle, and he could be important."

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has also praised Coutinho's attitude and application and admitted that he has high hopes for the former Inter Milan midfielder.