Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool supporters have been given a glimpse of the many different qualities Philippe Coutinho has at his disposal in recent weeks – both offensively and defensively.

The Brazilian has operated in the Reds' midfield triumvirate during the home demolitions of Everton and Arsenal to outstanding success.

Just as he was in the Merseyside derby, Coutinho was not only effective going forward for Liverpool during Saturday's 5-1 victory over the Gunners - claiming a stunning assist for Daniel Sturridge's strike - he also helped his teammates harry and harass visiting players in possession of the ball.

"It was a brilliant example of his qualities at the weekend," said Rodgers.

"He's got wonderful technique, but obviously coming into the British game and this league there are other components you need to play.

"He's five foot seven, he's got brilliant technique, he's tactically cute and clever, but physically he's has everything to cope.

"People always wonder about small players in this league, can they play and can they cope? I think for players like him and Joe Allen it's about the talent and if you've got the strength, your brain, the power and the mentality, you can succeed.

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"For Philippe, he's not going to be diving in jumping into challenges, but he can intercept, he can block, he can get up to people and press the ball.

"You see with the fourth goal how he intercepted. His positioning is good so he can block passes and intercept.

"He's got a wonderful feel for a pass that not many players have. You don't see it so much now - you either get midfield players who are holding midfield players or they're runners. He's one that can do both. He can get on the ball, penetrate with his passing, and he gives us a wonderful cutting edge to go and put our talented players in.

"If you talked to him, I think he'd say one of the elements of his game he's improved are his defensive qualities - and he needs that because it's important for us and how we play."