The Brazilian attacker has formed an instant bond with ‘big brother’ and countryman Lucas Leiva, while Reds captain Steven Gerrard has also been giving the youngster advice

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho has described how his new Anfield colleagues have helped him settle into life in England, both on and off the pitch.

The 20-year-old joined the Reds in January from Inter and has made an immediate impact, notching two goals and three assists in just six league outings.

And the Brazilian has acknowledged the contribution of his new team-mates in speeding his acclimatisation to the pace of the Premier League and his new-found defensive responsibilities.

“There were a few occasions when I was quite slow and Steven Gerrard came up to me and asked me to be much quicker with the ball, and mark the opposition players more quickly too,” Coutinho revealed to the Sunday Times.

“Some other team-mates ask me the same, they are always trying to help me get better.”

The former Vasco da Gama attacker has also received support away from the training pitches, forming a close bond with fellow Brazilian and “big brother” Lucas, who played a key role in persuading Coutinho to move to Merseyside.

“When we’re here in the training ground we’re always together, whether on the pitch or in the dressing room, and when we are out of here we go for meals together sometimes,” continued the former Inter starlet.

But while the January recruit may have made a quick transition to English football, he is still getting used to the colder climate.

“It’s completely different from Brazil, the wind here is really strong and cold,” added Coutinho.

“I tell my friends in Brazil and when they come over they cannot believe how cold it is. But with time we’ll get used to it.”