Philippe Coutinho is one of the most hyped-up players in the Premier League. His audacious flicks, optimistic shots and Brazilian flair get the Kop off their seats like the good ol’ days of Milan Baros… or more accurately, John Barnes, et al. Under the stewardship of Jurgen Klopp, Coutinho has seen his role in the side diminish dramatically, as Roberto Firmino and others have stepped up to the creative plate with dramatic effect.
The Brazilian continues to dazzle frequently, entertaining fans with his inconsistent nature along with his superb ability to create and score goals out of the slightest glimmer of an opportunity.
Liverpool’s summer transfer business is likely to focus heavily around the future of Coutinho, though. So, with the significant weaknesses in other areas of the squad, the last thing Klopp needs is to find himself searching for a new midfield creator. Luckily, we think it’s pretty unlikely he will leave.
And here are FIVE reasons why…
Klopp-ified
The list of players who have seen their career blossom as a result of Jurgen Klopp seems to be growing by the day. From Marco Reus to Mario Gotze, Klopp has a knack of identifying the best way to utilise players.
It is a gift that most of the best managers hold and Klopp is currently blessing Liverpool with his current overhaul of the squad. However, it is not just the club as a whole that will benefit from this – Coutinho will be all the better for it, too.
Ambition bubbling
Ambition has never been short at Anfield, but it now has a tinge of realism, too.
The Premier League title is a realistic aim under Jurgen Klopp and, rather than a top four finish being ideal, that is surely going to become the norm. For all his talent, Coutinho cannot win Liverpool titles alone and must see the current revolution on Merseyside as a wonderful opportunity for him personally.
Perfect refinement
There are still a lot of areas of Coutinho’s game that need work.
Under another manager it is not necessarily guaranteed that he would get the time or attention to deal with these. Klopp will help him to improve his decision-making whilst being allowed enough starts to learn for himself. A move to a club with greater squad depth may seem him limited to bench appearances more often that he may hope.
Hero of the Kop
Not many players get the same adulation of the Kop as Coutinho.
Adored in the red half of Merseyside, Coutinho will face a battle to ever receive that level of support again. Would he be as adored at Barcelona? Certainly not!
Time is on his side
For those unaware, Coutinho is still only 23.
At 23, most players are still very much finding their own way in the game. Coutinho is no different and, even if he dreams of a move to one of Europe’s top three clubs, he has plenty more transfer windows in which to hold out for that move.
Gaps will develop in other squads over the next few seasons and Liverpool, at the moment, are a perfect place for him to grow as a player. There is no rush for Coutinho.
