Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain launched a staunch defence of Philippe Coutinho’s commitment to Liverpool following their 4-0 win at Bournemouth.
Coutinho handed in a transfer request in August after Barcelona had a bid for the Brazilian rejected, but the Reds turned down a further two offers, with owners Fenway Sports Group publicly stating he was not for sale.
The 25-year-old missed the start of the season with a back problem, but has been outstanding since his return and it was his superb strike that set Liverpool on their way at the Vitality Stadium.
Interviewed on Sky Sports alongside team-mate Oxlade-Chamberlain post-match, Coutinho was asked whether he wanted to stay at Liverpool until the end of the season.
“I always say the same thing – I try to enjoy the moment,” Coutinho said. “I like to play football and every time when I go on the pitch I try my best.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain then interrupted, adding: “He’s a Liverpool player right now and he’s doing really well for us.
“He’s been the most professional person I’ve seen all season; he’s been top quality from the start and every time he gives his all for the club.
“That’s the most important thing right now. It’s not fair to ask those kind of questions, I don’t think, but he gives us his all every game and that’s all you can ask of him.”
“It was a nice goal but for me the most important thing is Liverpool getting better and winning games.”
Philippe Coutinho added another beauty to his collection of Liverpool goals tonight: https://t.co/qsVNEmzG99 pic.twitter.com/x1IQLU4fcl
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 17, 2017
