Barcelona legend Xavi believes Philippe Coutinho has what it takes to make the grade at the Nou Camp.
The Liverpool playmaker continues to be linked with a move to the Spanish champions despite the absence of a buy-out clause in his current contract.
Coutinho is understood to be happy at Anfield and Xavi has hailed Jurgen Klopp’s role in further enhancing the Brazil international’s development.
However the 36-year-old insists that there is no urgency for him to leave the Reds just yet.
“Coutinho is a player I have always thought is special – but under [Liverpool coach Jurgen] Klopp he has gone up another level,” Xavi told Goal.com.
“On form there are not any better midfield players in Europe.
“He has always shown quality but now he is consistently playing well and that is good news for Liverpool if they want to really challenge for the title.
“He is playing under one of the most intelligent coaches in Europe. Klopp has a lot of experience at developing world-class players, so it is a good club for him to be at.”
He added: “When you play at the level he is there is always going to be talk.
“But for now he needs to ignore all that and stay focused, because I think Liverpool have a real chance [of the title] this season.
“There are not many players that can improve Barcelona, but if you are asking me if he is one of them, on this form, I think he is.
“Technically he is very good. He would suit Barcelona’s philosophy well.”