Brazilian football player Philipppe Coutinho, who is renowned for his adaptability on the field, is frequently remembered for his advice on how to pick up tips from the top players in his vicinity. Growing up in Liverpool, Coutinho kept a close eye on Steven Gerrard and applied what he saw to improve his own play. When he later relocated to Barcelona, Coutinho said he was always inspired by Lionel Messi and Andri Iniesta.

This method is comparable to a young artist learning by watching the techniques and brushstrokes of a master painter. Coutinho used his acute attention to detail and knowledge of football strategy to take in the distinctive traits that made Gerrard, Iniesta, and Messi stand out as players, much like an apprentice picks up subtleties of art by closely observing their mentor's work habits and creative processes.

Coutinho was able to improve both his technical abilities and his on-field decision-making by copying the methods and approaches used by these seasoned pros. This approach emphasizes a more general idea in sports and other fields: gaining knowledge from people who are already experts in their field can greatly speed up one's own development.

Coutinho's philosophy emphasizes the value of mentorship and ongoing development, emphasizing that the secret to improving at what you do is to be receptive to new ideas and pay close attention to seasoned professionals.