Transfer Centre

How Liverpool could line up with Philippe Coutinho

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 12 July 2019

Speculation persists regarding a potential Liverpool return for Philippe Coutinho, but how would the Brazilian fit into Jurgen Klopp's starting lineup?

Just 18 months have passed since Philippe Coutinho left Liverpool for Barcelona, but there is now talk of the Brazilian making his Anfield return this summer.

Coutinho has posted respective figures during his time at Camp Nou, with a total of 21 goals being netted from 76 appearances in all competitions.

However, supporters of the Catalan giants have frequently criticised the Brazilian, whom they feel has not lived up to his £142m price tag.

That has seemingly let in Liverpool at a time when Jurgen Klopp would probably welcome the arrival of a player like Coutinho, having never found a like-for-like replacement in the year-and-a-half since his departure.

Liverpool have just enjoyed one of their best-ever seasons, although the acquisition of the 27-year-old would give the Merseyside giants more options in the final third.

Here, Sports Mole assesses how Klopp could use Coutinho without the playmaker having a negative impact on the rest of the team.

Klopp has very rarely changed his established front three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, even when any of the trio have been in need of a rest.

That would suggest that Coutinho would likely have to fit into the midfield, despite Klopp already having five players who will feel that they deserve a regular starting role.

Coutinho is capable of playing in a number of central positions, but we feel that Klopp would give preference to playing him in close proximity to the attack.

The South American was used considerably deeper in his previous spell with the club, something which could still occur should a transfer be completed in the coming weeks.

However, Klopp now has the forward threat of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson to consider given that they produced 23 assists between them in the Premier League last season.

That may mean that Klopp would prioritise playing Fabinho and Jordan Henderson in front of the back four in order to reduce the defensive responsibilities placed on the shoulders of Coutinho.