It was only in January that Philippe Coutinho signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool, and reportedly takes home £150,000-a-week. He’s now one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League. This wage is befitting as he’s undoubtedly become Liverpool’s talisman ever since the infamous Luis Suarez left for greener pastures.
But a player of such quality and ability shouldn’t be fighting for just top 4 finishes. Coutinho is destined for greater things beyond Anfield, he’s a player the whole world is talking about and watching very closely. On the international stage, he’s only 2nd in command to Neymar for Brazil. If that doesn’t tell you how good he is, I don’t know what will.
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Here are 5 possible destinations for Philippe Coutinho.
#5 Inter Milan
As Inter currently sit 7th in Serie A, it’s clear that a major overhaul is needed at the San Siro. Last year, it looked as though this revamp had taken place when Chinese commerce group Suning bought them over in the summer, but funds were not made available instantly. It will be this summer instead where the great Italian club will embark on a transfer shopping spree.
To spark a revival, Coutinho should be the priority transfer target for the Nerazzurri. The Brazilian would seamlessly replace Eder in the starting line-up as the no.10 of the team. The 24-year old would thrive as the sole creator of chances at the San Siro, he would also be given freedom to attempt as many long shots as he pleases.
He’s a player that delivers under pressure and can take his team from obscurity to victory with one moment of brilliance.
#4 AS Monaco
The best attacking force in Europe doesn’t need much tinkering, but the addition of Coutinho is vital for continued success. The Brazilian would be an upgrade on current central midfielder Joao Moutinho. Coutinho is faster than the Portuguese midfielder, more agile than him, has a better pass selection and works more efficiently under pressure.
As a transition based team, Monaco would love Coutinho’s ability to find a pass quickly on the counter. The upgrade in personnel would feed the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Radamel Falcao with even more through balls to convert.
After reaching the semi-final of the Champions League, Monaco are on the verge of becoming one of Europe’s elite, and the signing of Philippe Coutinho would go a long way in achieving that.
#3 Juventus
As one of the best coaches in the world, every young player on the planet wants to play for Massimiliano Allegri. The Italian’s 3-4-2-1 system allows every single player in the team to shine, the system doesn’t restrict anybody’s creativity neither does it force players to defend on their own. As a versatile attacker, Phillippe Coutinho would thrive in such a system.
His creative brilliance alongside his industrious work rate would allow Coutinho to become the star player he was born to be. The Brazilian could easily operate as one of the two behind the striker, drifting out wide at times to create overloads.
Juventus have performed admirably and have reached the Champions League final this season. With Coutinho, they could keep their dominance next season.
#2 Paris Saint-Germain
When you think of defensive resolution fused with free-flowing counter attacking football, you instantly picture Paris Saint-Germain. Unai Emery has had his talented squad of players playing in a way they’ve never played in before this season. The French champions showed the world how excellent they could be in their 4-0 drubbing of Barcelona in Paris, although they capitulated a week later.
It’s been a mixed season for Emery as his team find themselves three points behind AS Monaco in the Ligue 1, having played one more game. If Monaco win their next game they’ll become Ligue 1 champions.
It’s hard to pinpoint the weaknesses in this complete squad, but to accommodate a player of the calibre of Coutinho, Blaise Matuidi would have to be sacrificed. Matuidi is a box-to-box player who makes wily runs as well as covers his full-backs in defence.
His work rate would have to be sacrificed to ensure PSG’s attacking prowess becomes more irresistible. Imagine the attacking play we’d witness with Di Maria, Lucas Moura and Edinson Cavani making runs with Coutinho feeding and linking up with them. C’est terrifique.
#1 Barcelona
Often a benchmark for attractive football, Barcelona have struggled this season to replicate the dominance of Pep Guardiola’s era. Much of that dominance was down to Barcelona’s impeccable midfield trio of Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets. Now they’re limited to players of half the quality.
Andre Gomes signed for £30m last summer but his performances have failed to justify his price tag. Former maestro Iniesta is now on the wrong side of thirty and past his peak, so now more than ever a creative midfielder is needed to help Barcelona keep up with their Madrid rivals.
With the best attack in the world up front, it doesn’t take much midfield creativity to feed them chances, they create chances for themselves. What Messi, Suarez and Neymar need is a competent creative midfielder who can support their attacking flair through making runs and converting chances they’re not able to.
Coutinho is a player that creates as much as he scores. In 29 league games, he’s created 58 chances whilst scoring 10 himself. He’s the perfect complement player for Barcelona and his exceptional ball control, passing technique and dribbling would fit into the footballing philosophy of the club.
