There was a lot of buzz heading into Brazil's friendly match with Croatia at Anfield on Sunday, and for several different reasons.Football fans were anticipating the long-awaited return of Neymar to action after months injured and Roberto Firmino got a chance to play for his country at the home of his club.However, the match, which Brazil won 2-0, saw Philippe Coutinho return to Merseyside for the time since leaving Liverpool for Barcelona back in January.The Brazilian has settled in nicely at the Nou Camp, registering ten goals, five assists and already winning both La Liga and the Copa del Rey.After receiving a fairly mixed reception before kick-off, Coutinho produced a moment to remind Reds fans in the crowd of just how technically gifted he really is.

Coutinho v Croatia

The ex-Liverpool star lined up in Brazil's starting XI against Croatia on the left of a front three alongside Willian and Gabriel Jesus.

As Tite looked for more attacking impetus, Fernandinho was sacrificed for Neymar at the interval, allowing Coutinho to drop back into an advanced central midfield role.

It paid dividends in the 69th-minute as Coutinho assisted Neymar's brilliant individual goal, but the Barca man produced some lovely skill of his own in the first half.

Coutinho humiliates Croat on Anfield return

With the score at 0-0, the 25-year-old was looking for a pass near the corner of the pitch when he was closed down by two Croatians.

However, as shown in the videos below, Coutinho got past Ante Rebic in truly classy fashion at the same time as fending off challenges from Sime Vrsaljko.

The playmaker skilfully dragged the ball back towards him before quickly popping it through Rebic's legs, collecting it on the other side of the nutmeg and finding a teammate.

What Liverpool lack without Coutinho

As good as Mohamed Salah, Firmino and Sadio Mane have been, Liverpool have lacked a creative midfielder ever since Coutinho departed for a fee which could rise to £142 million.

Signing Lyon's Nabil Fekir may address that issue for Jurgen Klopp's men, meanwhile Coutinho and Brazil will now focus on their final World Cup warm-up game in Austria.

What is YOUR opinion on Coutinho's skill during Brazil 2-0 Croatia? Do YOU think Liverpool must sign someone to replace him? Have YOUR say in the comments box below!