Leicester vs Liverpool: Philippe Coutinho justified Reds rejecting Barcelona - Ferdinand

PHILIPPE COUTINHO today justified why Liverpool turned down over £100million from Barcelona for him in the summer.

Philippe Coutinho Leicester LiverpoolBT SPORT

Leicester vs Liverpool: Philippe Coutinho showed Liverpool were right to not sell, says Ferdinand

That is the view of BT Sport pundit and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.

Coutinho was making his third start of the season in Liverpool’s Premier League clash at Leicester.

The Brazilian had been out of the squad until the end of the transfer window as he was keen on a move to Barcelona.

Liverpool stood firm and maintained he would not be sold and are now reaping the rewards, according to Ferdinand.

Execution is what it’s all about and this is the reason Barcelona went so hard to get Philippe Coutinho

Rio Ferdinand on Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho

Coutinho set up Mohamed Salah’s opening goal before scoring a stunning free kick to double Liverpool’s lead at the King Power.

“He’s justifying why they kept him,” Ferdinand said of Philippe Coutinho.

“This is an exquisite free kick. 

"Takes a knick off the wall, beats (Kasper) Schmeichel hands down. 

Christian Purslow: Liverpool were not close to selling Coutinho

Leicester Liverpool Philippe CoutinhoBT SPORT

Leicester vs Liverpool: Philippe Coutinho got an assist and scored against Leicester

“It was a fantastic free kick. Yeah there was a fair bit of room but you’ve still got to put it in the corner. 

“Execution is what it’s all about and this is the reason Barcelona went so hard to get him, the numbers they were talking. 

“We said before the game he was due a performance after this summer and what’s gone on and today he’s been fantastic.”

Liverpool went on to win the game 3-2, with goalkeeper Simon Mignolet crucially saving a Jamie Vardy penalty.

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?