Jurgen Klopp has dubbed Philippe Coutinho's goal against West Ham United for Liverpool in midweek "one of the smartest free-kicks in football history".

Liverpool were handed a free-kick in the 48th minute of their FA Cup replay against West Ham at Upton Park and Coutinho, back from injury, stepped up.




The Brazilian directed his shot along the floor, taking advantage of the jumping West Ham wall – and the ball nestled into the corner of the net.

Liverpool ultimately lost the game in extra-time to crash out of the FA Cup, but Coutinho's goal made an impression on Klopp.
 


"I think it was one of the smartest free-kicks in football history. You don't see this too often", he told a press conference this morning.

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"He had two long term, not too long term, but injuries in the middle of the season.

"Phil is back and he is always somebody who can make the difference in a game."

However, the Liverpool manager is aware that Coutinho is not yet 100 per cent fit, even if he is making progress in that direction.

"It's not possible that he's 100 per cent, but he is on a good way for sure."

It remains to be seen whether Coutinho will be involved this coming weekend when Liverpool travel to Villa Park to play Aston Villa.