Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho is one of the most exciting young talents he has ever seen. The Reds' boss revealed his admiration for the 21-year-old Brazil international was in excellent form on Sunday, in the club's final pre-season game in Asia; the Anfield club beat Thailand 3-0.

Philippe Coutinho
Reuters

"Coutinho had me up off my seat. He's a player you would pay money to watch. He's just a delight on the ball. There was real quality in the final third. I thought that part of our game, on a difficult pitch and in that heat, was very good. Some of our football was fluent and the movement was clever. We have some outstanding talents who can make the difference," a pleased Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.

The former Swansea City manager also hailed new signing Iago Aspas for his performances on the Asia Tour and believes the Spaniard brings a new dimension to the Merseysiders' attack.

"He's a very effective player. Sometimes he's not always easy on the eye but when you actually monitor how efficient he is - he creates goals and scores goals. It was a lovely touch into space by him for his goal and he finished really well. Then he showed good vision to set up Stevie," he added.

Finally, Rodgers also spoke on new signing Simon Mignolet. The Belgian was brought in from Sunderland earlier this summer and replaces Spain international Pepe Reina in goal. The 30-year-old Reina is on a season-long loan to Serie A club Napoli and claims he was forced to leave the club after Liverpool chiefs agreed to the deal behind his back.

"Our defensive mentality was also very good. We've been working on organisation with and without the ball and I thought we saw that in the game. Simon Mignolet didn't have a lot to do but his presence was excellent and he made one great save to his left. He's a 'keeper who is hungry and has slotted in very well," Rodgers concluded.

Thailand