Roberto Carlos heaps praise on Coutinho before decider against Serbia

While all the eyes on Brazil rarely deviate away from Neymar, Roberto Carlos believes Philippe Coutinho is the one thriving so far at this World Cup.

The former Selecao star has been impressed by Coutinho, who scored the first goal late on against Costa Rica on Friday, and feels boss Tite has worked out how to get the best out of the Barcelona midfielder.

Writing in the Sunday People, Carlos said: 'I love watching that guy play. He's ­brilliant on the ball, obviously, but he's clever off it, too, taking up good positions.

'Everyone speaks about Neymar, but Coutinho is proving that he's also a ­massive player for Brazil too.

'When all the defenders focus on ­Neymar, he pops up and decides matches.'

Brazil made a stuttering start to their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland and looked set for further frustration against Costa Rica.

But as the clock ticked past the 90-minute mark, Coutinho struck for Tite's side before Neymar wrapped up the win and put them back in pole position to win Group E.

They are level on four points with Switzerland — who face Costa Rica next — while Serbia sit third on three points.

But for Carlos, the individual quality in Brazil's ranks ensures they remain a cut above the rest as they chase their first World Cup title since 2002.

'I'm still very upbeat about our chances in Russia,' he said. 'Our individual quality, along with the organisation of the team, makes us the side to beat.

'But it's been a slower than expected start, and we now need to finish off the job against Serbia on Wednesday.'