Barcelona

Ernesto Valverde: 'Philippe Coutinho versatility a big help'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 31 January 2018

Valverde: 'Coutinho versatility a big help'

Ernesto Valverde hails Philippe Coutinho's versatility and admits that the Brazilian's ability to play in a number of attacking positions is why Barcelona signed him.

Ernesto Valverde has admitted that Philippe Coutinho's ability to play across the frontline makes him a major asset for Barcelona.

The Brazil international has featured twice for the Catalan giants since arriving from Liverpool in a £142m deal at the start of the January transfer window.

Coutinho has impressed during the early stages of his Camp Nou career, which has so far seen him predominantly feature from the right in wins against Espanyol and Alaves, but Valverde intends to use him in an array of positions.

Asked what the 25-year-old brings to Barcelona, Valverde told reporters: "He works well in several positions. He can play at number 10 or on the left as he did at Liverpool or even the right, as in the Brazil national team.

"And in both Liverpool and in Brazil things have gone well for him. That's why we signed him - his versatility will help us."

Coutinho is in line to start Barcelona's next match - a Copa del Rey semi-final clash with Valencia on Thursday night.