Liverpool legend Ian Rush backs improving Philippe Coutinho

Ian Rush believes ‘confident’ attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho has developed into a real standout performer for Liverpool.

Coutinho picked up where he left off last season, scoring a stunning long-range winner in Liverpool's season opener at Stoke, before terrorising Arsenal's defence on Monday Night Football at The Emirates.

Fellow Brazilian Roberto Firmino partnered Coutinho in an attacking role behind striker Christian Benteke in the goalless draw at Arsenal, ensuring Liverpool maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

And Rush believes Firmino - a £29m summer signing from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim - can help take Coutinho's game to another level.

"Coutinho is really starting to stand out now and he plays with a lot more confidence within himself," Rush told Sky Sports. 

"He looks different now. He looked like a little boy when he came in even though his quality was obvious, but he's a man now who knows what he has to do on the pitch. He puts himself into the tackles now. He doesn't shy away or anything.

"Coutinho's learned a lot from playing in the Premier League for the last couple of years. He's maturing as a person and as a player but he's still only young.

"I think the arrival of Firmino has helped him as well. Having another Brazilian around is good for him and I am sure they will help each other."

Coutinho was not part of Luiz Felipe Scolari's 2014 World Cup squad but was recalled to the international set up by current Brazil manager Dunga and travelled to the Copa America over the summer.

But the 23-year-old was replaced by Kaka in the Brazil squad for the friendlies against Costa Rica and USA at the beginning of next month and Rush is surprised at Coutinho's surprise omission.

"I'm surprised he wasn't in the World Cup squad last year let alone the latest squad," said the former Liverpool striker.

"If you look at how Brazil performed in last year's World Cup it was the wrong decision to leave him out. He got back in (for the Copa America) but it's very surprising he's not in this squad.

"He's on form right and when he's playing like that then of course he should be in the national squad."