With the shadow of Sadio Mane’s three-match suspension hanging over their heads, Liverpool supporters would have been delighted to see Philippe Coutinho’s return on Saturday afternoon.
The 25-year-old – who was the subject of one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer, with a move to Barcelona failing to materialise – played 79 minutes of the frustrating draw with Burnley.
However, whilst the result wasn’t exactly the ideal way to end a miserable week of results for Jurgen Klopp’s side, should the return of Coutinho make him a nailed-on pick for your Draft Fantasy team?
In a match where the Brazilian could have filled his boots it didn’t quite happen, with Coutinho showing clear signs of rustiness after a lack of recent game-time, and his tally of two points from Saturday’s encounter won’t exactly set the world on fire – but it’d be ridiculous to rule him out.
Being awarded a start in a deeper midfield role by Klopp he linked up well with Mohamed Salah on numerous occasions, showing a vast amount of potential for a budding partnership later this season.
In this deep position he would have the chance to roam around the opposition third, free to exploit space in the midfield and look for the runs that Liverpool’s potent attacking trio will make.
On Saturday alone he created four chances, put in four crosses and attempted six take-ons in an industrious and inventive display, and when Mane does return from his suspension he will have three competent options ahead of him on the pitch to look out for – meaning assists will be aplenty.
His deeper role, seeing him stationed on the edge of the penalty area when Liverpool are on the attack, will also give him countless opportunities to home in his long-range shooting from 20 yards.
This was already evident against Burnley, with Coutinho attempting seven shots, and although the accuracy certainly wasn’t there at Anfield once he settles back into his side the goals will come too.
It seems that the whole Barcelona saga is firmly behind him – for the time being anyway – and Liverpool will look to him to re-find the winning formula that has evaded them over the past week.
Recent Comments