Despite Liverpool having to settle for another dissapointing draw, young Philippe Coutinho continues to prove his worth since signing for £8.5 million in January. The 20 year old was the most creative player going forward again on Saturday and I can still can't quite believe that the match ended 0-0. While three points were squandered by Liverpool, Coutinho brings something extra to the side and in years to come could prove to be the superstar he has shown glimpses of.
The young Brazilian was positioned on the left hand side of our attacking triangle, alongside Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. Once again Coutinho showed his appetite to run at defenders, showing an exceptional array of skill and a good turn of pace. Coutinho appears to be much more creative than any of our other wide players. On a number of occasions Coutinho opted to cut inside defenders and look for a killer pass or go for a shot. While Coutinho and his team mates were kept from scoring, on any other day this match could have ended with Liverpool winning by a wide margin. Alex McCarthy had arguably the display of his career, keeping out a host of chances. Coutinho showed he can test a keeper from distance with McCarthy saving an early curling shot before watching another Coutinho shot hit the post.
Despite the progress Coutinho has made as a winger, his favoured position is in a central attacking role. Suarez and Coutinho already seem to have formed a partnership based upon the speed, trickery and creativity that they both possess. Coutinho's brilliant ball control and pass accuracy allows him to fit in seamlessly with the system of play that Rodger's has instilled into this team. On Saturday, Coutinho had a pass accuracy rating of 73%, which is a very good percentage given how far up the pitch he often finds himself. As well as this Coutinho had 70 touches on the ball, showing that he wants to be involved, going forward and influencing play. Coutinho's tricky nature was further illustrated in the 49th minute when he found himself in on goal. Despite being offside, Coutinho beat the in-form McCarthy with a cool back heel.
However, Coutinho's physical attributes need work if he is to take his game to the next level. Often at times you wonder if Coutinho is still at school due to his small stature. While he is still only 20 years old, Coutinho won't strike real fear into sides until he works on the physical aspects of his game. The English league is arguably the most physical of them all and if Coutinho grows in stature it would only help to benefit him as a player and Liverpool as a team.
It appears that our return to the top four will have to wait another year; once again drawing to teams such as Reading is unacceptable for a side knocking on the door of European football. Draws cost us the title in 2002 and Rodgers needs to inject a ruthless attitude as the competition within the Premier league this season has really shown that every point matters. However, the signing of Coutinho fills me with optimism for next season. After a string of under-performing purchases in recent transfer windows, Coutinho has come in and immediately made a difference to the side. If we recruit well in the summer then a top-four finish next season could really be on the cards; however we need to eradicate draws such as this from our season and start to kill off teams when the chance arises.
Via: [Live -] Online - TV] Al - Hilal - Al - Ain - AFC Asian Champions League
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