Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Deflects Philippe Coutinho Exit Talk After Liverpool Win

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leapt to the defence of team-mate Philippe Coutinho when he was asked about his future and links to Barcelona after Liverpool's 4-0 win at Bournemouth on Sunday. 

Per the Daily Mail's Oliver Todd, Coutinho refused to commit his future to the Anfield club when asked by Sky Sports' Patrick Davison about recent speculation and links to Barca.

"I always say the same thing," the Brazil international said. "I try to enjoy the moment, I like to play football and every time I go inside the pitch I try my best."

Oxlade-Chamberlain then interrupted to defend Coutinho after the former Inter Milan man had scored and provided an assist against the Cherries:

"Phil's a Liverpool player and he's doing really well for us. He's been the most professional person I've seen all season. 

"He's been top quality from the start and every time he gets on the pitch he does his all for the club. 

"That's the most important thing right now [and] it's not fair to ask those kind of questions, I don't think. He gives us his all every game, and that's all we can ask from him."

The England international, who moved to Anfield from Arsenal in the summer, enjoyed one of his best games as a Liverpool player against Bournemouth.

Goal's Melissa Reddy was also impressed with his performance in the interview as he shut down what could have been an awkward situation for Coutinho:

The 25-year-old playmaker was the subject of three bids from Barcelona in the summer, the last of which was potentially worth up to €130 million (£119 million), per Andy Hunter in the Guardian.

But reports linking him with a move to the Camp Nou have continued, and Mundo Deportivo (via the Mirror) reported last week that Barcelona have a plan to sign him in January.

It would be a huge blow were Liverpool to lose Coutinho in the winter transfer window as he continues to be one of their key players and is part of Jurgen Klopp's attacking four, alongside Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

If he does depart the Merseyside club, though, it could allow Oxlade-Chamberlain more opportunities as he could take up Coutinho's role in the middle of the park.