Barcelona attacker Philippe Coutinho has highlighted that Andres Iniesta was a genius and he cannot be compared with the club legend, who has won every silverware within his reach. The Brazil international has adapted splendidly since joining from Liverpool during the January transfer window but he does not want to be compared with the superlative talents of Iniesta.

Speaking to Diario AS, Coutinho indicated that he does not like the ongoing comparison with Iniesta, who made 674 appearances for the Catalan giants before joining Vissel Kobe during the summer. He added that he would like to make his own impression with the Spanish champions and he needs to work hard on every aspect of his game.

He said: “Andres was a genius, so I don't like comparisons between us. 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.”

“Coutinho may have only joined the Blaugrana from Liverpool eight months ago but he has swiftly adjusted to the club’s style of play,“ contributing 11 goals from 27 appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, the Brazilian was also found of playing “in the wider positions“ during the backend of his Liverpool career but he has quite seamlessly adjusted to the central midfield role under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde.

The 26-year-old was only a second-half substitute during the recent Catalan derby against Girona which ended 2-2 but he should reclaim his starting role on Wednesday night when Barcelona make the trip to Leganes for their seventh league game of the season.