Philippe Coutinho: Bayern Munich star hailed as a ‘little wizard’ by teammate Benjamin Pavard

Former Liverpool midfielder is on a season-long loan at the Bundesliga club from La Liga side Barcelona

Philippe Coutinho of FC Bayern Muenchen (Bongarts/Getty Images)

Philippe Coutinho has been dubbed a “little wizard” by Bayern Munich teammate Benjamin Pavard.

Coutinho arrived at the Bundesliga club last month on a season-long loan from Barcelona, while Pavard – a World Cup winner with France last year – joined the German champions from Stuttgart at the start of the summer transfer window, having signed a deal in January.

“[He is] a little wizard!” Pavard told Sky Sports. “He is very discreet and really personable. First of all, a really fine guy. And, of course, a very good footballer.

“It’s very hard to get him off the ball. He’s not 100 per cent [fit] yet – he probably needs some more games, because he joined the team very late. But I’m sure, in a few weeks, we will see the world-class footballer Coutinho.”

Coutinho signed for Barcelona in January 2018, leaving the Premier League after five years with Liverpool in a deal worth £130 million.

In 18 months at the Nou Camp, the Brazil international won two La Liga titles and the domestic cup, but failed to play a pivotal role, with fans never taking to the midfielder.

Pavard expects Coutinho to be central to Bayern’s success this season, however.

“Of course [he can make the difference]. I now know him from a few training sessions and I have no doubt about that. He has incredible quality and will show it to everyone.”

Coutinho has made two Bundesliga appearances for ‘FC Hollywood’ so far and is still in search of his first goal and assist.

He was a member of Brazil’s Copa America-winning squad this summer, scoring twice in the tournament.