Brazilian play maker and Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho has praised Ghanaian youngster Emmanuel Boateng following his heroics in ending the Catalan's unbeaten run in the Spanish La Liga.

The former Ghana under-20 forward says he was told by the Brazilian to work hard and that he will reach higher heights.

The former Moreirense forward scored a hat-trick as Levante beat Barcelona 5-4 to end a run of 36 games without defeat in the Spanish topflight.

Following his impressive display on Sunday night, former Liverpool midfielder Coutinho tipped the Ghanaian for greatness.

“He [Coutinho] spoke to me in Portuguese and urged me to keep working harder,” Boateng told Kumasi-based radio station Oyerepa FM

“Coutinho said I should continue with what am doing because it will take me to places in coming years. He also told me to believe in myself.”

Emmanuel Boateng's performances in the La Liga this season has earned him a call up into the senior national team, and could make his debut in the International friendlies against Japan and Iceland in June.