According to a recent report by Sport, Liverpool are eyeing Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho if they fail to land Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich this summer. The same source has also mentioned that the Reds might be a potential option for the Brazilian international as Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of the player’s talents. It is believed that the Merseyside giants might turn their sights on their former star, who is currently playing on loan at Bayern Munich if they are unable to acquire the services of Thiago during the summer transfer period (via Sport).
Coutinho’s Influential Loan Spell At Munich This Season
Coutinho enjoyed a productive loan spell at the Allianz Arena but has struggled to rediscover his old form despite scoring and creating his fair share of goals before the football world came to an abrupt halt earlier this year because of the COVID-19 crisis.
The Brazilian maestro has played only 28 minutes of league football since the Bundesliga’s resumption in May as he was out for several games due to an ankle problem. He has made 34 appearances for the Bavarian giants this term, registering nine goals and eight assists in all competitions.
Coutinho could still play a key role in Hans-Dieter Flick’s side when the UEFA Champions League kicks off next month. He has been consistent in European nights this season after averaging 3.9 shots, 1.7 key passes and 2.3 dribbles per game in the Champions League so far (stats via whoscored).
The former Inter Milan midfield ace has also earned a total of 61 senior caps for the Brazilian national team, netting 17 goals for his country in the process. If Coutinho can maintain his high standards in the upcoming campaign, then he will be a nailed-on starter in Tite’s first-team for next year’s Copa America.
What Does The Brazilian Playmaker Offer On The Field?
Coutinho is a technically gifted footballer who enjoys playing in the number ten role as an attacking midfielder. He has terrific vision and is proficient at unlocking the opposition defence with a killer pass in the attacking third. The Brazilian can strike the ball with a lot of power or could even curl it into the opposition net from long range. His incredible knack for scoring and creating goals from midfield makes him a decent option for any of his potential suitors including the Reds this summer.
Is Coutinho The Right Choice For The Reds This Summer?
At the moment, Jurgen Klopp needs a new attack-minded and creative midfielder to replace Adam Lallana at Merseyside. Therefore, Coutinho fits their need entirely as he is precisely the type of player who can come in and make a significant impact at Anfield yet again if Klopp decides to give him another shot this summer.
Coutinho will not only add more goals and creativity to the Liverpool attack but also enhance the overall quality of their match-day squad. Furthermore, he will be a significant upgrade over Lallana and could pose a bigger threat than Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino on the field.
Hence, Klopp should consider bringing Coutinho back to Anfield if he is available for the right price as he will undoubtedly help the newly crowned Premier League champions maintain their dominance at the summit of English football.
