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Barcelona legend Xavi has hailed ‘special’ Philippe Coutinho as one of the best midfielders in the world – and has urged him to ignore any interest from the Catalan giants.

Coutinho has been linked with a move to Camp Nou since the summer, with speculation intensifying after his magnificent form has helped Liverpool to the top of the Premier League.

The Reds have no intention of selling their prized asset, who has bagged six goals so far this season.

With an eye-catching performance for Brazil against Argentina this week as well, scoring a stunning opener in the 3-0 home win, the playmaker’s rise has become even more apparent.

Xavi, who captained Barcelona to their 2011 Champions League triumph, has recognised how Coutinho has reached a new level this campaign – attributing the improvement to Jurgen Klopp.

“Coutinho is a player I have always thought is special - but under Klopp he has gone up another level,” Xavi said. “On form there are not any better midfield players in Europe.

“He has always shown quality but now he is consistently playing well and that is good news for Liverpool if they want to really challenge for the title.

“He is playing under one of the most intelligent coaches in Europe. Klopp has a lot of experience at developing world-class players, so it is a good club for him to be at.”

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Now playing for Qatari club Al Saad, the World Cup winner is approaching the end of his career.

But despite spending the majority of that at Camp Nou, he does not want to see Coutinho’s head turned by apparent interest from Barca.

He does, however, admit a player of the 24-year-old’s calibre would improve his former side.

Speaking to Goal, he added: “When you play at the level he is there is always going to be talk, but for now he needs to ignore all that and stay focused, because I think Liverpool have a real chance this season.

“There are not many players that can improve Barcelona, but if you are asking me if he is one of them, on this form, I think he is. Technically he is very good. He would suit Barcelona’s philosophy well.”