London, Feb 3: Midfielder Philippe Coutinho has committed his future to Liverpool after agreeing a double-your-money pay rise to almost 70,000 pounds a week in a five-year contract that will keep him at the English club for what should be the best years of his career.

The 22-year-old Brazilian international has taken some giant steps forward this season after developing a devastating understanding with young striker Raheem Sterling which is why he has been given this lucrative new contract, mirror.co.uk reported Monday.

And club manager Brendon Rodgers believes it is only the start, because the attacking midfielder is young enough to improve to world class standards by adding goals to his armoury.

"His performance level is really high, which is great to see because he's a little magician with the ball. If he continues to improve - and he still has areas he can like his goalscoring - then he gets into that bracket of world class."

Rodgers also said he is securing a player who will elevate himself into the same bracket as world class stars Croatia and Real Madrid star Luca Modric and Germany and Real Madrid ace Tony Kroos.

IANS