Tag Archives: Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool secured their first major signing of the summer yesterday with the acquisition of Mohamed Salah from Roma, arriving for a deal reportedly worth around £34m.

The former Chelsea man has excelled following his move to the Serie A, after struggling to make an impact with the Blues at Stamford Bridge, and adds class to Liverpool’s wide options next season- which is crucial ahead of the Reds’ return to the Champions League.

Boasting an impressive 15 goals and 11 assists in 31 Serie A appearances last season, figures that are both more than any Liverpool players managed last season, Salah is a sensational coup for Jurgen Klopp’s side that could lead the Reds towards glory.

Anfield is sure to be rocking upon the club’s return to Champions League action and Salah could help the Reds enjoy a season to remember, as he slots into the club’s line-up next season comfortably- and he’s unlikely to be the final recruit for the Reds this summer.

Here, we’ve taken a look at how Liverpool could line-up next season with Salah in their ranks- and we’ve included some new faces who could follow the Egyptian ace to Anfield.

GK: Simon Mignolet

Liverpool’s capture of Loris Karius from Mainz last summer was supposed to bring the end of Simon Mignolet between the sticks for the Reds but the German’s inability to settle into the rigours of the Premier League meant Jurgen Klopp opted to hand Mignolet his spot again.

The Belgian stopper impressed last season with some fine performances but still seems a way off being the sort of goalkeeper that can lead Liverpool to success, which means he’ll remain under pressure next season- particularly in the Champions League.

Liverpool made great progress under Jurgen Klopp this season and the Reds sealed their minimum objective of returning to the Champions League next term.

Klopp’s side narrowly sealed their spot in the top-four, finishing one point ahead of Arsenal, and it’s clear the Merseyside giants need significant summer activity if they are to compete for major honours next season- especially with both Manchester clubs set to spend heavily.

However, Liverpool’s lack of recent history in European football and their financial restrictions when compared to their rivals makes it difficult for the Reds to maintain a top-class side and keep hold of their key players, with question marks surrounding the future of Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian ace has attracted the interest of Barcelona in recent seasons and the Catalan side’s restructure this summer could see them launch a move- which Liverpool would find incredibly difficult to fend off.

With speculation surrounding Coutinho, we asked our team what they believed would happen with the Brazilian and what it would take to keep him at Anfield.

Sam Cox (@SamRCox)

Liverpool’s summer is more significant than their rivals’.

The club’s creaky 2017 is a concern and – while Champions League football will return to Anfield – they must finally address long-term recruitment issues. Additions like Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Joel Matip have been splendid, though they now need to replicate that sort of investment throughout the squad to add depth and build a squad capable of holding their own against the might of their top six companions.

Prove they can do remain genuine contenders and Philippe Coutinho will find it much harder to leave the adoring Kop. Equally, clubs are unlikely to move for him just yet as his talent is yet to produce consistently enough.

Josh Challies (@Challies11)

The next year is crucial for Liverpool as they need to cement themselves as top-four regulars and genuine contenders for the Premier League title, rather than being consider a side that will dip in-and-out of the top spots in English football.

Securing Champions League football this weekend was vital to keeping Philippe Coutinho and their chances of keeping the Brazilian long-term likely hinge on the next year, as I do believe he will remain at Anfield this summer- but a move after the World Cup in 2018 is a possibility.

To have any chance of keeping Coutinho, Liverpool need to make a statement of intent this summer by securing big names and showing they can compete with their rivals- which means eyeing players that don’t currently represent lower-ranked sides in the Premier League.

Tom Scholes (@TomScholes316)

Philippe Coutinho is the player that Jurgen Klopp should be looking to build his team around in the summer, and he must do everything in his power to keep him at Anfield. If Barcelona come in for the Brazilian, he will find it hard to turn it down because who doesn’t want to play for Barcelona?

That being said, I do think Coutinho will stick around for yet another season. I doubt he would jump ship just went Liverpool are set to return to the Champions League, and Klopp needs to give him the players around him to make it similar to Eden Hazard at Chelsea.

Shane Burns (@MediaShaneBurns)

Ultimately, whether Liverpool fans care to admit it or not, the Merseysiders are a selling club and are unable to either keep hold of world-class players, or attract them.

It’s impossible to see how Liverpool can keep Coutinho if Barcelona come calling. Their name/brand is the only thing big about Liverpool these days.

Liverpool have once again endured a transitional season, with Jurgen Klopp’s men challenging for a spot in the Champions League but falling quite a way short of pushing for the Premier League title.

The Reds have certainly made a meal out of their European qualification too and have left themselves with a lot to do in the final weeks of the season, as top-four rivals Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal could take advantage of their games in hand.

It’s clear new faces are needed at Anfield this summer and a wealth of top-names have been linked with a move to Merseyside, although fans need to be aware that their finances mean that the club run the risk of losing out to their rivals in the chase for big deals.

Liverpool can probably afford to go all-out to get one or two big names this summer though, especially with added funds from the likely sales of Mamadou Sakho and Daniel Sturridge, and this potential XI next season could certainly challenge for honours.

GK: Antonio Adan

Liverpool’s goalkeeping ranks have come under intense criticism this season and Jurgen Klopp is likely to move to solve that this summer, with 29-year-old Spaniard Antonio Adan eyed as the ideal recruit- and his arrival could spark the end for Simon Mignolet.

Last summer’s signing Loris Karius has struggled in his debut season in the Premier League but, aged just 23, there’s plenty of time for him to develop and moving for an experienced keeper like Antonio Adan would be a wise move.

Currently with La Liga minnows Real Betis, Adan’s services shouldn’t be too difficult to capture.

Liverpool are on-course to secure a return to the Champions League but there’s still work for Jurgen Klopp’s side to do. Victory against West Brom this weekend is vital and this side should be able to secure all three points.

GK: Simon Mignolet

The signing of Loris Karius from Mainz last summer left Simon Mignolet in a sticky situation at Liverpool but the poor performances from the German stopper have allowed Mignolet to push his way back between the sticks at Anfield.

29-year-old Belgian stopper Mignolet is set to make his 23rd Premier League appearance of the season at the Hawthorns and will be desperate for a strong performance, as his current run of seven Premier League games without a clean-sheet is a big worry.

The game is being shown live on Sky Sports on Sunday afternoon (13:30pm kick-off UK time) and you can get a NowTV day pass and watch the game for just £6.29 with our fantastic 10% off a day pass offer.

Liverpool enjoyed a good weekend last time out, as the Reds beat Everton in the Merseyside derby and saw Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all drop points.

The Reds therefore maintained third spot in the Premier League standings and have their hopes of Champions League football in their own hands, as they can keep in the top-four even if their rivals win their games in hand.

Having secured four points from clashes against Manchester City and Everton, Jurgen Klopp’s side are now preparing for a favourable run-in to the season but they’ll need to improve, having struggled against lower-end opposition this season.

On Wednesday, Liverpool host a Bournemouth side who defeated them on the South Coast earlier this season and the Reds will be keen on revenge. With Manchester United and Manchester City both facing stern tests this midweek, it’s an opportunity for Liverpool to strengthen their grip on a Champions League place.

Here, we’ve selected the Liverpool XI that Klopp should select to overcome the threat of the Cherries.

GK: Simon Mignolet

Liverpool’s goalkeeping ranks are the weakest section of their squad but Simon Mignolet has managed to retain his spot as number one despite the summer signing of Loris Karius. Whilst the situation may change in the summer, Mignolet should definitely start against Bournemouth.

The Belgian has started 20 games for Liverpool in the Premier League this season and needs to show the best of his ability if the Reds are to retain their spot amongst the top-four. That means cutting out the mishaps that have plagued him during his time in Anfield but he has the capability to do that.

Liverpool host Everton in a crucial Merseyside derby this weekend and these three battles are likely to decide the outcome of the match.

The derby is being shown live on Sky Sports with the game kicking off at 12:30pm on Saturday. You can pick up a NowTV day pass and watch the game for just £6.29 with the 10% off a day pass offer. Alternatively weekly passes are available for £10.99. You can redeem the fantastic day pass offer by clicking here.

Lukaku v Matip

Romelu Lukaku boasts 21 Premier League goals this season, the highest of any player in the division, and keeping him quiet won’t be an easy task. This weekend, that task falls to Liverpool’s summer recruit Joel Matip.

The Cameroonian international has impressed in his debut season in English football but Lukaku has the strength and ability to emerge victorious in this battle. Lukaku can’t be afforded room and time on the ball, whilst Matip has to expect a hefty physical battle.

Liverpool face a huge game on Saturday as they tackle Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield, with the Reds looking to consolidate their position of fourth-spot in the Premier League. Here, we’ve selected the side that Liverpool should select to win the game.

The derby is being shown live on Sky Sports with the game kicking off at 12:30pm on Saturday. You can pick up a NowTV day pass and watch the game for just £6.29 with the 10% off a day pass offer. Alternatively, weekly passes are available for £10.99. You can redeem the fantastic day pass offer by clicking here.

GK: Simon Mignolet

Liverpool’s goalkeeping options are quite weak, with both Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius struggling to impress this season, but it’s the former who should get the nod for this crucial Merseyside derby as the Belgian has looked slightly better.

The Reds need to make a choice on their number one for the remainder of the season and stick with it, with that man likely to be Mignolet. Come the summer, changes in this area are likely but Jurgen Klopp has to work with what he’s got for now.

Liverpool could be presented with an intriguing opportunity this summer, which would see them land an experienced midfielder in a swap-deal with one of Europe’s giants.

Reported by The Liverpool Echo, Spanish outlet Don Balon states Barcelona are ready to offer Liverpool Ivan Rakitic in a deal that would see Philippe Coutinho move the other way. Whilst on paper they may seem a strange swap, Rakitic’s experience would be difficult to turn down.

Rakitic has come under fire in Catalonia this season and could be offered an exit as part of a restructure within the team, which is likely to follow at the end of the campaign when Luis Enrique leaves his managerial role and begins a sabbatical period.

Whilst Rakitic and Coutinho are not similar players, Rakitic’s arrival could land the Reds a top midfielder for a cut-price on top of a sizeable fee for their Brazilian star- which would give Jurgen Klopp plenty of funds to land a direct replacement for Coutinho.

How do they compare?

Per Squawka statistics, Coutinho has played just one minute more than Rakitic this season and his pass completion percentage (83%) puts him behind Rakitic with 86%. However, the Brazilian has five assists compared to just one from Rakitic.

In front of goal, Coutinho has found the net six times compared to Rakitic’s five and Liverpool’s star-man also boasts a far superior shot accuracy- 55% compared to Rakitic’s 46%. That said, Rakitic does adopt a deeper position in Barcelona’s line-up.

Defensively is where Rakitic has the edge, as the Croatian maestro has more tackles, interceptions and aerial duels won. Again though, this is largely down to their differences as a player.

Where would Rakitic fit in?

As mentioned, Ivan Rakitic wouldn’t directly fill the void from Coutinho’s departure and would instead likely sit in the deep-midfield pairing alongside Reds captain Jordan Henderson- providing a blanket to the defence and supporting the attack where necessary.

Rakitic has the ability to pick out the right balls to launch an attack, which would work well in Liverpool’s set-up. Jurgen Klopp’s side is also fairly young, so another experienced head in midfield would certainly not be a bad thing.

Of course, Liverpool would still have the fill the void left by Coutinho but the Reds should have the ability to do exactly that and it may even work out in their favour, as they could elect to find a direct number ten or a wide-player that would slot-in perfectly to Klopp’s ranks.

Philippe Coutinho is in a great run of form for Liverpool at the moment, and on Thursday night he continued that run of form into the international stage with a stunning performance vs. Argentina.

The Brazilian has previously failed to excel on the international stage, but following his good domestic form, he was rewarded with with a start for Brazil in a crucial qualifying game for the World Cup.

They faced rivals Argentina, whom are struggling in the group and Brazil made sure that continued with a ruthless performance, winning 3-0 on the night and the goals started thanks for Coutinho’s quality quality opener. His individual run was capped off with a beautiful curling effort, finding the top corner.

He has always been a player that is neat and tidy in possession, good to watch and great at beating his man, but if Coutinho was to be critcised for anything it would be his inability to consistently score and assist. This has changed this season and he’s managed 5 goals and 5 assists in the league and he’s now producing on the international stage too. There can be no arguments that if this form is to continue, Coutinho must be considered amongst the best. Here’s what the fans are saying about his performance.

Manchester City player Fernandinho told Philippe Coutinho last night "You're the best player in Premier League right now."#LFC #YNWA pic.twitter.com/qujpyZ1oLv

— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) November 11, 2016

Coutinho is currently among the best players in the world.

His goal vs Argentina last night. #Worldclass #LFC pic.twitter.com/a2nzwRml8R

— Your Village People (@Bishop_Yayo) November 11, 2016

On current form, Coutinho is the best active Brazilian player, only behind Neymar. Very decisive for both club and country in recent matches

— Sán (@Zizouology) November 11, 2016

Coutinho will never be as appreciated by any other fan-base, that's why he is at the right club and has to stay. Klopp will take good care.

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats2) November 11, 2016

Coutinho starred alongside Neymar and Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus in a quality attacking force for Brazil. They’ve had some dark days in the recent past, the humiliating home defeat to Germany always springs to mind, but in these three and many others, Brazil have some top class attacking talent capable of causing problems for any team. They look in great shape to qualify for the World Cup and should this kind of form continue, they can be considered serious contenders.

These are Fresh Football’s ratings for Liverpool’s home clash with against Manchester United on Monday night.

Liverpool

Loris Karius - 5

Composed for the most part, in particular with the ball at his feet, but almost landed his team in hot water when playing a stray pass to the opposition on the edge of his box.

Nathaniel Clyne - 5.5

A quiet game from the English right back, as he began coming into the action late on in support of Sadio Mané, but it all seemed a little too late.

Joel Matip - 6.5

Calm and collected throughout, keeping the defensive line in good nick alongside Dejan Lovren and creating one of the few chances of the game when marauding through the middle. Matip’s decent start to his Liverpool career continues.

Dejan Lovren - 6.5

Following on from Matip, Lovren kept up appearances in the back line and helped ensure a conservative Man United side had little chance of sneaking away with a win.

James Milner - 6.5

Top work ethic from Milner, as usual, who tried to glue play together on his side of the pitch as best as he could with Marcus Rashford lurking.

Jordan Henderson - 6

Solid in the middle of the park, but was stuck far too often with the task of getting plays started from deep, which isn’t his style.

Emre Can - 6

Failed to replicate Adam Lallana’s and Georginio Wijnaldum’s shared duties through the middle, which is a shame for Liverpool, but the German did grow into the game in the second half.

Sadio Mané - 4.5

Marked out of the game by Man United’s inclusion of Ashley Young in support for Daley Blind, and when space did arise on the flanks, Mané spurned his chances of inflicting damage through clumsiness on the ball.

Roberto Firmino - 5.5

Ghosted through phases of the game in starvation of the ball at his feet, but the ex-Hoffenheim man looked far better in the false nine role once it was vacated by Daniel Sturridge.

Philippe Coutinho - 7.5

Liverpool’s best hope of shifting a stubborn United side, who was unlucky not to see his shot from range bend around an inspired David De Gea.

Daniel Sturridge - 4

Anonymous throughout the game, largely down to Liverpool’s inability to break through the lines efficiently enough, which led to his substitution in the second half.

Subs:

Adam Lallana - 6.5

A big miss for the Reds, the introduction of a semi-fit Lallana brought life into the game.

Divock Origi - N/A

Alberto Moreno - N/A

Manchester United

David De Gea - 7

At quiet night, attempts wise, but the Spaniard was on his toes to pull off a super save from a Coutinho shot from range.

Antonio Valencia - 6.5

Another solid display at right back for Valencia to add to his recent collection, rounded off by a last-ditch tackle that prevented Roberto Firmino from dispatching a shot inside the box.

Eric Bailly - 5.5

A fairly calm night for the former Villarreal defender.

Chris Smalling - 5.5

Much like Bailly, Smalling didn’t have a great deal to do thanks to the support of Herrera, Fellaini, and the full backs around him.

Daley Blind - 5

Blind was limited throughout due to Mané’s presence, thwarting the Senegalese forward successfully in combination with Young.

Ander Herrera - 6.5

Supported somewhat of a stun-charge on Liverpool really well in the opening stages of the encounter, whereas he also adapted adequately to fulfil his team’s needs in defensive midfield.

Marouane Fellaini - 6

Tucked in nicely next to Herrera and supplemented a hardened barrage for Liverpool to break down.

Marcus Rashford - 6

The young Englishman threatened early on the right flank, but, in accordance to the game, the opportunities to impose himself in attack diminish swiftly.

Paul Pogba - 5.5

Undoubtedly under José Mourinho’s instructions, Pogba spent much of his time breathing down Dejan Lovren’s and Jordan Henderson’s neck to make Liverpool’s task of constructive play more difficult, and did so well.

Ashley Young - 6

Followed Mané closely all game and prevented Liverpool’s man from finding pockets of space.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 5.5

Always ready to capitalise on a United attack, but the big Swede will be disappointed not to have done better with his header across goal in the second half.

Subs:

Wayne Rooney - N/A

Luke Shaw - N/A

Few have been the times that these two colossal clubs of English football have come into a clash with lofty ambitions as of late, as Liverpool welcome Manchester United to the newly-renovated Anfield stadium on Monday night.

The Jürgen Klopp project and it’s suffocating press system has begun gaining some notable traction in the Premier League, in particularly in big games, whereas Man United and their array of expensive talent look to force their way back into prominence under new boss José Mourinho.

The match-up promises plenty, and in its lead-up, Fresh Football has sought to bring you a combined XI. Here’s how we’d line-up:

GK: David De Gea (Manchester United)

There won’t be many more straightforward choices to be made than including David De Gea, one of the best shot-stoppers in the world and, arguably, the main man between the sticks in Premier League football. Even if we weren’t to see him in such light, Simon Mignolet’s shaky past and new boy Loris Karius don’t offer us any great alternatives from Liverpool’s end.

RB: Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool)

Nathaniel Clyne’s Man United counterpart, Antonio Valencia, has gained his fair share of plaudits so far this season from a right back position, but his systematic nature in the final third, particularly his over-hit crosses, raises a few question marks. Meanwhile Clyne’s associative play makes him our preferred option, we’re not even sure Valencia, despite good form, is the best right back at his own club.

CB: Eric Bailly (Manchester United)

Among the trickiest of introductions to this combined XI is Eric Bailly, simply because Joël Matip has excelled so much in his short time in the Premier League as well. Whereas the latter might be better at reading the game, we think Bailly’s physicality, especially once his aggression is more refined, sees the Ivorian pip the ex-Schalke man.

CB: Chris Smalling (Manchester United)

As someone who can blend his ability to read the game, bring the ball out from defence and impose himself physically upon attackers, Smalling’s addition is a no-brainer. On his day, he’s one of the very best centre backs in the Premier League.

LB: Luke Shaw (Manchester United)

Alberto Moreno came to mind, who, based on his Liverpool career thus far, is enough to hand the left back slot to just about anyone else. Such is his unreliability that Klopp has chosen to deploy James Milner at left back, a successful invention in the meantime, but we’d prefer to go down the old-fashioned route and opt for a natural left back. It’s also Luke Shaw, by the way, so we’re in good hands.

CM: Daley Blind (Manchester United)

We’re striving for a team that makes sense, here, which in turn sees us scramble a little for a convincing midfielder to play deep in this combined XI. Although talented, Emre Can’s yet to leave his definitive stamp at Anfield, whereas his teammate, Jordan Henderson, is more box-to-box than deep-lying. The same goes for Ander Herrera at United, who’s come into the fold ahead of Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger. We’re trusting the versatility of Daley Blind on this one, who’s put in exemplary displays at left back and centre back in the past.

CM: Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

He’s been fairly underwhelming since his blockbuster transfer from Juventus this summer, but it’d take a brave man to overlook his talent in order to shut him out of this combined XI. We wouldn’t dare.

RM: Sadio Mané (Liverpool)

At last, some more Merseyside-based presence, and it goes to their new acquisition. Many an eyebrow was raised at the £34 million price tag of Sadio Mané when joining from Southampton, but the Senegalese winger has been quick to allay any fears and become an instant hit at Anfield. The 24-year-old provides a constant threat with his movement in behind, whereas his trickery and pace make him a real handful across the attacking third.

AM: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)

The Brazilian can offer the odd irritation with his relentless attempts at goal from range, but when it works, there’s little left to do but admire. Coutinho’s general low centre of gravity coupled with his dribbling ability and flair are the real reasons why we think he’s best suited to the free role in attacking midfield, however.

LM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Manchester United)

Up against the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, our preference is to go with Henrikh Mkhitaryan on this one. Being quick on the turn, the Armenian is lethal in transition, just as he was in his storming 2015/16 season with Borussia Dortmund prior to his transfer to Manchester United. We’re yet to see the versatile wide man exemplify the same prowess at Old Trafford, but should he be given the chance, it’d be no surprise to see him star.

ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United)

Even with Rashford and Martial in the equation, Daniel Sturridge might well serve as the biggest opposition to Zlatan Ibrahimovic at striker. With both representing different profiles of strikers, this one comes down to consistency, and almost by default, Sturridge’s injury prone history and mix-and-match attendance when fit under Klopp sees Ibrahimovic pip him. Additionally, the Swede’s hold-up play and playmaking ability is quite the sight when coupled with aforementioned runners in the attacking third.

Liverpool fans are sky-high this Monday morning after beating defending champions Manchester City at Anfield yesterday, leaving the Citizens sinking away from the battle for the title and into the war for top four.

Philippe Coutinho was the magician yesterday with a stellar performance, and a wonder goal, which has not gone unnoticed by Reds fans- who are heralding him as the Premier League’s best player in 2015 and state he is world class.

Whilst some may not agree with those claims, it is clear Coutinho is developing into a very exciting footballer.

Think Coutinho has been probably the best player in the PL in the last 2.5/3 months.

— Richard Jolly (@RichJolly) March 1, 2015

Inter Milan allowing Coutinho to leave for £8.5m has to be one of the biggest transfer blunders of recent times. Credit to Liverpool though.

— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) March 1, 2015

Coutinho seems to love playing against City. 2 winning goals in 2 season at Anfield and they were both cracking strikes.

— Mootaz (@Mootaz_LFC) March 1, 2015

Coutinho is a too baller. Makes me happy to see a traditional Brazilian football player doing well.

— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) March 1, 2015

Coutinho needed the rest and he showed why today. He’s unspeakably good.

— Dan (@LfcDan) March 1, 2015

Has there been a better player than Coutinho in the PL in 2015? Or am I forgetting someone?

— Tom (@TommoLFC_) March 1, 2015

Why am I reading people saying Coutinho is world class?! Christian Eriksen isn’t world class and he’s better than Coutinho.

— Nikhil Saglani (@Nikhil_Saglani) March 1, 2015

Coutinho has become a wonderful footballer. Clever, exciting, talented… and now adding glorious goals #LFC

— Lee Clayton (@LeeClayton_) March 1, 2015

I don’t care what you say, Coutinho. World Class.

— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) March 1, 2015