Former Brazil star Kaka has backed Philippe Coutinho to become the main man for both club and country.

Liverpool started off their campaign in a positive fashion with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Stoke City on Sunday and the hero on the day for the Reds was playmaker Coutinho who netted a 25-yard stunner in the 86th minute.

With the departures of Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling this summer, the onus is now on Coutinho to lead from the front for Liverpool and hid fellow countryman, Orlando City star Kaka, has backed the 23-year old to shine for both club and country this season.

"I have been a big admirer of Coutinho and he can be a very important player for Liverpool and Brazil," Kaka reportedly said.

"There will be a lot of expectation on him with Liverpool fighting to get back into the Champions League, but I know that he can handle it.

"One great player doesn't make a team, but you can build a team around one great player, and I believe he can be that player."