Philippe Coutinho would bring a lot to Barcelona, says former Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez: 'He has the ambition to take a step further'

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Luis Suarez has heaped praise on former Liverpool team-mate Philippe Coutinho, insisting that he would bring a lot to Barcelona if he moved to the Nou Camp.

Suarez played with Coutinho at Anfield in the 2013-14 season as Brendan Rodgers' side came excruciatingly close to the Premier League title, and it appears the Barcelona striker is keen on a reunion.

Barca tried and failed to sign Coutinho over the summer, despite three huge bids, but they are likely to go back in for him at some point in the next year.

Philippe Coutinho (left) and Luis Suarez are friends following their time together at Liverpool

Suarez says that Coutinho would bring 'a lot' to Barcelona if he were to leave Anfield for Spain

When asked what Coutinho would bring to Barcelona's already star-studded team, Suarez told Mundo Deportivo: 'A lot.

'I know him as a person and as a player because I played with him, but everyone knows what Coutinho can contribute.

'He is a footballer, who today, plays at a very high level.' 

Suarez was also questioned on his friend's failed summer move, being asked whether Coutinho wanted to move to the Nou Camp. 

'Obviously he must have because he's a player who has ambition and any player would want to come to Barca,' he continued.

Coutinho has been watching from the sidelines of late as he recovers from a thigh injury

The Brazilian is closing in on a return, and Liverpool fans are desperate to see him back playing

'He went through a difficult and very complicated moment but as a professional he continued to show how good a player he is and the personal quality he has. 

'Despite trying to leave Liverpool he continued helping the team and working. He is demonstrating as a professional who has the ambition to take a step further.'

Coutinho picked up a thigh injury last month and missed his third consecutive game for Liverpool as they beat West Ham 4-1 to climb to fifth at the weekend.

He could return to play for Brazil against England next Tuesday though, according to their team doctor. 

Suarez seems keen on a reunion with his former team-mate, and Barca are likely to try again

Coutinho could return to action on Tuesday when Brazil play England at Wembley Stadium

Brazil play against Japan in France on Friday before facing England four days later.

'The chances that he will play against Japan are tiny,' Brazil's team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar was quoted as saying by Globo Esportes. 'He could be on the bench and play a few minutes.

'But we are working to make him available against England.'