Lovren hails classy Coutinho as Liverpool move towards top four

Dejan Lovren paid tribute to Philippe Coutinho after the Liverpool midfielder ran the show in their 4-0 thrashing at West Ham – putting them on the brink of Champions League qualification.

The Reds have occupied a top-four spot for much of the campaign, but Arsenal’s late resurgence saw them close the gap to just a point before kick-off at the London Stadium.

Liverpool have struggled on the road at bottom-half sides this season, with defeats to Hull and Bournemouth among several disappointing results, but Coutinho put in an inspired display to down the Hammers.

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

The Brazilian, operating in a deeper midfield role than usual, played a fine pass to set up Daniel Sturridge for Liverpool’s opener, before scoring twice himself after the break.

Now Liverpool just have to beat relegated Middlesbrough at Anfield on the final day to secure a top-four spot, and defender Lovren was quick to praise Coutinho’s magic feet.

“To be honest we didn’t expect that we’d win 4-0 and score so many goals, but I would say that even with this pressure we showed our quality, that we can win against tough-defensively teams,” the centre-back said.

“Our quality decided the game. Philippe was amazing, he was the difference I would say.

“I said to him ‘soon you’ll be a defensive midfield player!’ and he was laughing. It says everything, he can play in every position, up front, in the middle, like a 10, he’s just brilliant.”