Joao Carlos Teixeira has credited Philippe Coutinho and Steven Gerrard as big influences after the youngster made his Liverpool debut this season.

The Spaniard is highly-rated at the Premier League leaders after moving to the 18-time English champions from Sporting Lisbon in a £830,000 deal in 2012.

I learn the most off Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho Joao Carlos Teixeira

Teixeira came on as a second-half substitute to make his first-team debut as Liverpool edged to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage in March.

The Portuguese midfielder made a telling block in his brief Craven Cottage cameo, and Teixiera revealed the Liverpool captain’s praise of his performance.

“Steven was telling me it was ‘great’ what I had done when I came on and that only made me happier because Steven Gerrard was telling me I had done well,” Teixeira told the Liverpool Echo.

“I learn the most off Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho.

“Me and Philippe play in similar positions and are similar players.”

Teixeira went on to describe his appearance at Fulham as his best moment in football.

“Fulham was a great moment and my best moment in football,” he added.

“It was great to play in the Premier League – the best league in the world – and we won three points in the last minute. It was the highest point in my career.

“Brendan told me to go on, be confident and to try and score. I was on the bench thinking ‘maybe I will get on’.

“I was happy with the way I played.”