Philippe Coutinho: It’s time the former Liverpool playmaker started proving his worth at Barcelona

Philippe Coutinho: It’s time the former Liverpool playmaker started proving his worth at Barcelona
On the one-year anniversary of signing for Barcelona for a mega 142m, Philippe Coutinho kicked off his evening by sitting on the bench and watching a starting place pass him by – for the fourth league game in a row.A natural point of reflection thanks to the date, you have to wonder what the Brazilian was thinking when he got the team news for the La Liga trip to Getafe.Perhaps his mind also wandered back to England, where Liverpool are mounting their most serious challenge for the Premier League title in years – lying four points clear of closest rivals Manchester City.5

The Brazilian made the switch from Anfield to the Camp Nou a year ago, but has struggled to make a big impact

Many expected the departures of the likes of Luis Suarez and Coutinho to send the Reds spiralling backwards – but the polar opposite has occured.It has been an odd 12 months for the attacker, defying the trajectory that seemed the most logical.Coutinho has gone from exceeding expectations in his first six months in Catalonia where it would have been natural for him to struggle to adapt to the rhythm of a new club and competition, mid-season to gradually losing importance in the squad dynamic, and not finding his form in his second term.On Sunday, El Mundo labelled it Coutinhos endless fall (Spaniards do have something of a penchant for the dramatic).5

Many expected the departures of Luis Suarez and then Coutinho to Barcelona to send Liverpool backwards

In a more balanced look in AS, Santi Gimnez pondered over how the Coutinho effect had now dried up, pointing to the eight goals and five assists the No 7 produced across 18 league games in his first half a season.If he could produce that after coming half-way through the season, it wasnt crazy to expect a step forward this season, and for the player to cement himself as a star, he observed.Rather than him being particularly bad this season, Coutinhos problem is perhaps more that in his first five months with Barca he was abnormally good, thus exceeding expectations5

However, the Reds have emerged as serious title challengers without the pair

It is difficult to recall a game this term where he has been notably poor.There hasnt been any disappearing and lack of showing for the ball, or confusion with the system that normally marks a player out as clearly not Barcelona material.The most obvious, concrete issue is that his impact in front of goal the attribute he stood out for above any other after signing last year has dried up dramatically.Since scoring and producing in a generally excellent all-round performance as Barca thrashed arch rivals Real Madrid 5-1 in October, the 26-year-old has failed to find the net again.Its a shift thats particularly striking; considering he had scored five times in just over two months up to that point.

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Coutinho’s sudden dip in form came following his exceptional performance in the El Clasico in October

The biggest beneficiary of his sudden lack of cutting edge has been Ousmane Dembl, who, whether he turns up for training or not, just cant stop scoring big goals at key moments.With coach Erneste Valverde treating Coutinho as more of a forward than a midfielder, there isnt room for the two players in a 4-3-3 system, and Dembl is now the clear first choice. On merit.Ironically, Coutinho can probably thank Dembls off-pitch issues for ensuring that his own struggles have not been more of a story until now. With the headlines and sporting pages at the tail end of 2018 adequately filled with the Frenchmans baffling tardiness, the 142m signing hitting a dry patch didnt really even register until the anniversary of his arrival drew close on the horizon.Its a story now, though, and the fact Valverde didnt think Coutinho would be worth a start against notoriously disciplined Getafe, where his shooting from distance could have been an obvious tool to exploit, seems significant.

PHILLIPPE COUTINHO'S BARCELONA RECORD

La Liga2018-19: 4 goals and 1 assist in 15 appearances2017-18: 8 goals and 5 assists in 18 appearancesChampions League2018-19:1 goals in 6 matches5

The Frenchman 21, joined in August 2017 and has been directly involved in 15 goals in 23 appearances this season

Significant too is that Barca got the job done without him.The Catalans were 2-1 up by the time the former Liverpool man finally entered the field of play with less than 10 minutes remaining.Coutinho was supposed to be much more than an extremely expensive substitute who merely sees out games.Not since his last move to the city of Barcelona, when Inter shipped him out on loan to Espanyol as a youngster, has the Brazilian been asked to prove his worth to the extent he is being asked now.The good news for him is that with the Copa del Rey and Champions League resuming shortly, he will have the opportunities.In the ruthless world of Barcelona you have to take them quickly though – before things move on without you.

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SLIDING AROUND Brandon Ashton certainly enjoyed himself after City thumped […] Manchester City kitman hilariously celebrates FA Cup victory over Watford in his underpants - Fussboll Home
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The 33-year-old limped off before the end of Arsenal's Checkatrade Trophy win against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Tuesday evening. Koscielny limps from the pitch With around ten minutes to go the French defender signalled that he was feeling some discomfort and the physio jogged on.
Koscielny injury concerns played down after Checkatrade

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West Ham United winger Felipe Anderson was admitted that he hopes to emulate club legend Paolo Di Canio and become a 'star' for the Hammers. Anderson, 25, has settled well at the London Stadium since his club-record £35m move from SS Lazio in the summer with the Brazilian, who recently earned a recall to the national team, […]
West Ham star Felipe Anderson: I want to play like Paolo Di

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An arrest warrant was issued for Fernando Forestieri after he failed to appear at Mansfield Magistrates' Court on Friday. The South Yorkshire club said the "arrest warrant for his failure to attend court will not now be pursued". The 28-year-old striker was facing charges relating to a post-match brawl.

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Harry Redknapp insists Tottenham can close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool with 'one or two' signings Spurs are more than 20 points behind the top two sides in the Premier League
Harry Redknapp insists Tottenham can close the gap on

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Frank Lampard as Chelsea manager? Gus Poyet says legend would be a great fit but wants Maurizio Sarri to stay. talksport.com 3+ hour ago. Frank Lampard as Chelsea manager? Gus Poyet says legend would be a `great fit' but wants Maurizio Sarri to stay The former goalscoring midfielder disagrees with unhappy fans and insists the Blues hav
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"David de Gea has been magnificent over the last few seasons," Ray Parlour told talkSPORT. "There has been many, many occasions where he has saved Manchester United. Go back to the Spurs
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Everton boss Marco Silva has suggested reported comments from Watford captain Troy Deeney ahead of Saturday's clash between the clubs are "a matter of strategy, nothing more". The Premier League contest sees Silva make his first return to Vicarage Road since Watford sacked him last season. And
Everton boss Marco Silva responds to Watford striker Troy

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West Ham transfer news: Latest update on Gomez, Carroll, Arnautovic and Adams unhappy hammer. West Ham ace Marko Arnautovic's attitude blasted after failed transfer saga Football EXCLUSIVE
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Liverpool team news: The expected line-up vs Bayern Munich Jurgen Klopp has a near full-strength side to choose from but will be sweating on the fitness of Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Milner
Team news: Confirmed Liverpool line-up v Bayern Munich

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Felipe Anderson and West Ham take on Southampton today West Ham vs Southampton: How to listen. Full coverage from the London Stadium will be live on talkSPORT 2, with our programme getting underway from 12pm. Russ Williams will bring you all the build-up and for commentary just click here for the live stream or click the radio player below.
Full commentary and free stream for 3pm top-flight clash
sportsalert.org/2019/05/04/full-commentary-and-free-stream-for-3pm-top-flight-clash/
Full commentary and free stream for 3pm top-flight clash. West Ham vs Southampton: How to listen. Full coverage from the London Stadium will be live on talkSPORT
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footballnote.com/manchester-united-vs-southampton-live-on-talksport-full-coverage-of-3pm-clash-with-free-stream/
Manchester United vs Southampton live on talkSPORT: Full coverage of 3pm clash with free stream Game on United host the Saints in the Premier League [] Home League
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Southampton vs Bournemouth: How to listen. Full commentary from St Mary's Stadium will be live on talkSPORT 2, with our coverage getting underway from 12pm. Russ Williams will bring you all the build-up with Ian Danter and David Connolly on commentary duty.
Brighton vs Newcastle live on talkSPORT: Full commentary and

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