Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho has rejected comparisons with Andres Iniesta, insisting that he needs to improve in all areas to reach the Spaniard's level.

Iniesta made 674 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions before joining Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

Coutinho, meanwhile, moved to Camp Nou from Liverpool during the January transfer window and has managed 11 goals in 27 appearances for the Catalan giants in all competitions.

Despite a positive start to life in Catalonia, Coutinho is not keen to be compared to "genius" Iniesta.

"Andres was a genius, so I don't like comparisons between us," Diario AS quotes Coutinho as saying. "Separately, I want to be my own player and continue to improve as much as I can, to win as many trophies as possible.

"I need to continue to work hard on every aspect of my game and performances, to be able to adapt and continue to switch between a playmaking role and playing from the left.

"That is why I cannot be compared to Andres Iniesta, he was a master of the game and did not have to work on anything, he was at the peak. I need to try and contribute more goals, provide more assists and adapt to what the coach wants me to do."

Coutinho has scored once and registered one assist in five appearances for Barcelona this season.

Written by
Matt Law