Philippe Coutinho

by Tom Morrison (http://coordinatedsports.blogspot.co.uk/)

The promising Brazil youngster began his career at Vasco de Gama and
was quick to impress top European clubs at the age of just sixteen.
His superb dribbling ability and outstanding vision, coupled with an
array of deft passing and tactical awareness, displaying maturity
beyond his years, earned him a €4 million move to Serie A side Inter
Milan. After two years struggling with injuries and a lack of first
team football Brendan Rodgers brought Coutinho to Liverpool for a fee
reported to be worth £8·5 million.

Despite a history of injury problems at such a young age, it should
not be a worry for Liverpool fans as the majority of his injuries were
muscle strains, caused by a rigorous strength and conditioning
programme in order to add muscle to his slight frame. Perhaps with a
more sensible muscle building programme employed by Liverpool staff,
Coutinho will be able to make a swift transition to the physicality of
the Premier League. Addressing his lack of first team football,
Coutinho was a regular starter under the unsuccessful reign of former
Reds boss Rafael Benitez, and after two seasons riddled with injuries,
spent an impressive 6 months at Espanyol under the current Southampton
manager Mauricio Pochettino, who was battling to retain Coutinho’s
services at his new club.  Despite his successful 6 month loan deal,
Coutinho will need regular playing time in order fulfil his maximum
potential and Reds fans will hope he can flourish under Brendan
Rodgers’ regime. “I’m really looking forward to developing him and
seeing him work. I got a good insight into him last year when he was
at Espanyol, he’s a real talent and a good, young, exciting player –
but also a real good professional and that’s key as well.”

In his first interview with LFC, Coutinho spoke confidently about what
he believes he can bring to the team : “I’m a player who likes to make
moves and to play along with the attack, passing as well as scoring. I
like dribbling and playing near to the box – that is a strength I
have. ” These are assets Liverpool have been short of this season with
much of the chance creation dependent on Luis Suarez’s broad
shoulders, especially with Steven Gerrard adapting his game slightly
to drop into the role of a central defensive midfielder. Liverpool’s
new signing is comfortable with both feet,  has strong tactical
awareness and discipline and has been likened to his Brazilian
counterpart Oscar. When Rodgers was quizzed regarding Coutinho’s
ability he responded: “He’s a wonderful talent and a great technician,
he’s got pace, strength and power. He’s flexible – he can play in
midfield or off the sides. He’s a really exciting player and another
great product to come into the league.”

The 20 year old’s prospective weaknesses are few and far between but
weighing in  at just 71kg supported by a 171cm frame will do him no
favours as he attempts to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League.
In addition, he favours himself as an attacking midfielder and is
likely to lend no assistance whatsoever to the defensive side of the
game. Liverpool fans should not expect a Dirk Kuyt type of work ethic
either.

Philippe Coutinho also reflects FSG’s transfer policy as they
consistently invest in young players with great potential, the
philosophy being that even if they don’t reach the heights they
promise, their value will still be reasonable. Conversely to the
disputed success of Liverpool’s recent signings, Coutinho will hope to
make an immediate impact. With his array of abilities, the Brazilian
will hope to contribute to the final third of Liverpool’s play and
kickstart the club’s efforts to reach Champions League qualification.