Brazilian Philippe Coutinho has singled-out former Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah and compatriot Neymar as a duo that can challenge Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup.
Coutinho returned to Anfield on Sunday as he played 82 minutes in Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Croatia in their World Cup warm-up game.
Egyptian Salah is continuing his recovery from injury after being forced off after 30 minutes in the Champions League final against Real Madrid and is hopeful of making a comeback just in time for the World Cup.
With the tournament just 10 days away, Coutinho believes it is time for players other than Messi and Ronaldo to step up on the big stage.
‘It feels like the right moment for someone to take their chance at this World Cup,’ Coutinho said.