If there is one topic that would divide the Liverpool fans into two groups, it is whether the club should welcome back former star Philippe Coutinho into the side. The Brazilian had some wonderful times with the Merseyside club, before deciding to leave them for the greener pastures of Barcelona, where he has been going through a very rough patch.
Now, there are reports that the man himself wants to come back to Liverpool to reignite his career. Sunday World has published the news (check the in-article image) stating that Coutinho wants to come back to Liverpool to once again play under Jurgen Klopp as the German manager prepares to head into the new season.
The situation at Liverpool
There is no doubt that Liverpool have one of the best forward lines in the world with Salah, Mane and Firmino wreaking havoc among the defence of clubs in England and Europe. However, there is one problem that has engulfed the Anfield side for quite some time now. There is a gulf of difference between the top three and the players sitting on the bench, waiting to be called upon when required.
Origi has been an impact substitute, scoring some vital goals coming off the bench. However, the Belgian has failed to be a consistent performer for the club. Xherdan Shaqiri was brought in with the hope that he would be the perfect man to rise to the occasions, but the Swede has failed to emulate his performances at Bayern or Stoke. Even new acquisition Minamino has not utilised his potential to the fullest, and so far it seems that he would take a substantial amount of time to get adjusted to life at Premier League.
All these issues would not have arisen if the club had successfully poached Timo Werner, but even in that front Chelsea have reportedly outbid the Reds. The manager has already admitted his inability in pursuit of the German star stating financial hardships. For the same reason, we cannot foresee Liverpool roping in some other talented forwards. In this respect, we can say that Coutinho could be an intelligent signing for the club.
What would be the Brazilian’s role?
Initially, it should be mentioned that Coutinho has not played so poorly for either Bayern or Barcelona to attract the status of a club outcast. However, the problem with the 28-year-old has been that he has failed to justify his massive price tag, and that is the reason the Catalan club wants to ship him away.
This season he has been a part of 14 goals for Bayern, scoring eight and assisting another six in the Bundesliga. Playing in the central midfield at times, he has made 84% successful passes in the league, with most of them being vertical. It is also not to be forgotten that the Brazil international has amassed 1.5 dribbles and 1.4 key passes on average in the league, highlighting the fact that his performances have been decent enough for him to be part of the Liverpool squad.
Even if Klopp decides to keep his front three intact, Coutinho can still be deployed in the central midfield as his versatility has always been outstanding. There is no need to mention the fact that he can take up any role in the forward line and thus be a worthy replacement of any among the Liverpool trio. However, all these speculations would take shape only if Barcelona do not ask for a ludicrous fee for the ex-Inter Milan star and decide to sell him at a price that FSG can afford.
Stats from Whoscored.
