Philippe Coutinho Discussed by Tite Ahead of Liverpool vs. Manchester United

Brazil manager Tite has told Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho his time is now.

The national team are on the cusp of two FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and those matches will see the playmaker clock up the air miles ahead of a Premier League clash with Manchester United.

Coutinho has been in wonderful form for the Reds so far this term, although he has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot with Brazil due to the quality in his section of the field.

However, ahead of back-to-back matches against Bolivia and Venezuela, Tite has talked up the Liverpool star, per David Prentice of the Liverpool Echo:

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There’s a reason he is called the Magician.

With his passes, Coutinho opens the lines, creates space. I like his mobility, he was influential in both games when he came on (against Colombia and Ecuador last month when his introduction changed both matches).

It was a difficult decision for me, but right now this is Coutinho’s moment. And in football, you have to follow the moment.

The two appearances by Coutinho... his moment, the composition. It is with mastery, not only because the opponent was tired.

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With the likes of Neymar, Willian, Oscar, Douglas Costa and fellow Reds star Roberto Firmino all battling for spots in the attacking positions, it’s no surprise that Coutinho has found it difficult to secure a starting spot for Brazil.

For Liverpool, he’s long been the man the team looks to in the attacking third to conjure a decisive moment, whether that be a tremendous pass or a scorching strike from long range. However, producing these types of skills in the Selecao strip has proved to be a little more difficult.

The Brazilian has shown more strings to his bow under Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's guidance, though. Per Bleacher Report’s Jack Lusby, there have been times this season he’s taken on a different kind of responsibility:

Certainly off the ball, Coutinho has added an edge under the German, willing to hassle opposition players and engage in physical battles. They’re qualities that can give him an advantage over the other starting hopefuls in Tite's squad, who may be a little more reluctant in their defensive duties.

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The intensity and industry of Coutinho will likely be tested over the coming weeks. Should he feature in both forthcoming qualifiers, the latter of which is on Wednesday, he’ll have just four days to recover before the Reds welcome Manchester United the following Monday. Fatigue will be a factor.

Needless to say, that’s going to be a vital game for both sides, as they each seek to cement their status as title challengers. James Gheerbrant of the Times feels Liverpool’s depth in Coutinho’s position can be key to their push:

Indeed, in their last outing against Swansea City, the Reds lost Adam Lallana, who has been a key player for the team this term. But in Daniel Sturridge, they were able to bring a fine option off the bench, with the likes of Divock Origi and Emre Can also available. These are the types of alternatives teams that are going to challenge for the top prizes require.

So, should Coutinho perform well, travel well and be fit for the Red Devils showdown, Liverpool fans will be delighted. But Klopp has fashioned a squad and a way of playing that means if the Reds No. 10 is jaded, the Merseyside team can cope a lot better without the Brazilian than in previous years.