Rivaldo backs Coutinho to cement undisputed starter role at Barcelona

Rivaldo says that he's never doubted Coutinho's quality. With Suarez gone, Coutinho has a better chance to form a bond with Messi, the Brazilian claims.

Rivaldo is sure that the stars have aligned for Phil to have a great season at Barca.

"I've never doubted Philippe Coutinho's qualities as a player. Now winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich last season has boosted his confidence and, back at Barca, this is his moment to finally claim his place in the starting XI," Rivaldo writes in his regular column for Betfair.

"He should play as a number ten and, without Luis Suarez in the team, Coutinho may get the chance him to create better chemistry with Leo Messi.

"Everything is in place for Coutinho to have a good season in 2020/21 with Barcelona. This his moment."

Coutinho has had a great start of the season at Camp Nou, registering two assists in two matches. In fact, he was named as Budweiser's man of the match in the recent encounter against Celta Vigo.