Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho deflected attention away from the Luis Suarez transfer saga with a fine individual performance against Thailand last night at Rajamangala Stadium.
The 21-year-old Brazilian scored a wonderful individual goal and set up new signing Iago Aspas for Liverpool’s second in their 3-0 win over the Thai national team. Steven Gerrard scored the third goal.
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Arsenal transfer target Luiz Suarez came on for the last thirty minutes. Liverpool could have won the match by a higher margin as Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez rattled the woodwork and Jordan Henderson had an effort cleared off the line.
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“It was an excellent game and there were three great goals. Our level of intensity was just right. All credit to the Thai team, they played very well” said Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
When he was asked about the future of Suarez, Rodgers replied: “Suarez is very much a Liverpool player.”
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The match wasn’t all one way traffic, Teerasil Dangda was unlucky with a shot that just went past the right post and Sarawut Masook brought a fine save from Liverpool’s newly acquired Belgian ‘keeper Simon Mignolet.
Even though Liverpool were playing the Thai national team it was clear to see who the supporters were there to see as Steven Gerrard’s goal sent the fans into raptures, and the introduction of Luis Suarez was greeted with a huge roar.
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Liverpool finished their Asian tour undefeated and without conceding a goal after beating an Indonesia XI and Melbourne Victory 2-0 earlier in the tour.
The Reds head back to England to prepare for Steven Gerrard’s testimonial on Saturday against Greek side Olympiacos.
Thailand’s next match is against Barcelona at Rajamangala Stadium on August 7.
Tickets are still available for that match.
Philippe Coutinho cuts open the Thai defence to open the scoring for Liverpool.
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Iago Aspas calmly scores Liverpool’s second goal.
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Steven Gerrard chips in Liverpool’s third goal.
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Photos: Liverpool FC
