Nigel Spackman feels that Philippe Coutinho is yet to have the same influence on games that former Liverpool star John Barnes had.
Coutinho has been one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers in the present campaign, with the attacking midfielder scoring 13 goals and providing nine assists in 35 appearances in all competitions.
The Brazilian has managed to establish himself as a vital member of the Merseyside giants since joining the club from Inter Milan in January 2013.
On the other hand, Barnes played for Liverpool between 1987 and 1997 and helped the Reds to win two league titles, two FA Cups and a League Cup.
And Spackman thinks Barnes, who was also a number 10 like Coutinho, had a greater influence on games than the 24-year-old.
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However, the 56-year-old admitted that the Brazil international possesses the potential to reach Barnes’ level.
“For me, no, and I have to say that and be honest”, Spackman told LFCTV, when asked if he thinks if Coutinho has the same influence on games that Barnes had.
“But he has got the potential to do that.
“But John Barnes, the two seasons I was here, he was world class to me and I mean world class.”
Spackman played alongside Barnes at Liverpool between 1987 and 1989.
