It is clear that after this weekend that Coutinho can shoot down the stars at Anfield trying to carry the torch of chief playmaker for Liverpool when the talismanic Gerrard finally leaves.
The Brazilian showed that his range of passing and incision is compatible with the trickery and succinct vision of Luis Suarez.
The second goal where Coutinho exquisitely sliced open the defence to put in his Uruguayan compatriot is a sign of the future.
Brendan Rodgers has been widely criticised for his methods so far this season, but he has to trust that his current investment can handle the mantle of playing for Liverpool.
This last part of the season where his employers will be assessing the impact he can have on the club may cause him to push the panic button and leave him to stick to the established stars.
Steven Gerrard has been holding the heavy burden of finding the through balls that nobody else has managed to for several years, but now is the time when the Reds have to looking past what the England international has had to offer.
This season is may be too much to ask a Liverpool team in transition to have a say on the Champions League race, when the Summer breeze emerges in May. This is not what is important.
Rodgers has a youthful and vibrant side at Liverpool and he needs to ensure if the Merseyside club are to find themselves back in contention he puts his faith in those who can be club legends in seasons to come rather than rely on heroes of the past.
Coutinho’s current path to success at Anfield is like a Greyhound just about to start a race. This is because if he is not instilled with the belief he can succeed by his manager he will be bumped off his true path by his rivals trying to gun him down as he tries to be the best.