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Despite his struggles so far this season for Liverpool, midfielder Philippe Coutinho has been called up to the Brazil squad for the upcoming October international break. Brazil are set to face Argentina in Beijing on October 11th before heading to Singapore, where they will face Japan on the 14th. Coutinho saw limited time off the bench during their last set of matches, and it is likely to be a similar situation as he joins Brazil for their mini-tour of Asia.
Other Premier League stars making the cut were Manchester City's Fernandinho, plus a strong Chelsea contingent including Willian, Oscar, Ramieres, and Filipe Luis. Tottenham's Paulinho, a man near the top of every Brazil teamsheet under former boss Felipe Scolai, failed to make the cut thanks to a dreadful run of form that has now managed to last for more than an entire season. Coutinho, after his poor start to the season, may be fortunate to escape the same fate.
Based on talent and what the player displayed last season, though, the young playmaker has certainly earned an extended look for his national team—he likely deserved to be at last summer's World Cup, but Scolari's determination to stick with players he knew in the end thwarted his hopes of being included. Hopefully the continuing faith being shown in him by returned Brazil manager Dunga can help to pull him out of his current rut.
