‘NEW WORLD NOW COUTINHO’S OUT’

PAUL INCE insists the last laugh is on Philippe Coutinho – because Liverpool have gone onto “another planet” without him. Despite losing a £140million man when the Brazil midfielder (above) forced a January move to Barcelona, the former Anfield skipper believes it made them better. Ince said: “In recent performances, they’re on another planet to the rest of the league in terms of balance and having the right mix in the team.

“The amazing thing is that it’s all off the back of Philippe Coutinho leaving. Everyone thought that when he left it would weaken Liverpool – but it’s actually strengthened them!

“That’s because they were probably too reliant on the Brazilian. Everything had to go through him.

“With him out of the picture, other people have stepped up, and not just Mo Salah.

“Yes, Salah is the standout man and that’s obvious, but every one of them puts a shift in.”

PAUL INCE was speaking exclusively to Paddy Power News. To read more, visit news.paddypower.com