5 reasons why Barcelona need to get back Philippe Coutinho

#3: Coutinho is capable of playing in multiple positions

Philippe Coutinho (right) and Lionel Messi (left) celebrating a goal for Barcelona

Ever since his early days, Coutinho has shown his ability to play in multiple midfield and attacking positions on the field.

While predominantly a playmaker occupying the number ten position, the Brazilian is capable of playing in a more central midfield position as well. He has been utilised by managers on the wings too, with his creativity, speed and technical ability all lauded. Coutinho has also played as a second striker due to his eye for goal and passing ability.

Coutinho's versatility could be very useful for Barcelona. His presence could provide some relief for the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, while providing good competition to Antoine Griezmann and Dembele.

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#2: Coutinho is in the prime of his career

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are now in their 30s.

Coutinho is 28 years old, which is generally the age around which outfield players play their very best football.

Barcelona is a squad brimming with a bevvy of ageing stars: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, to name a few, are all 30 or above.

The first-team does not have a lot of players in Coutinho's age profile. Apart from Sergi Roberto, the other Barcelona players are either too young or old.

Knowing Barcelona and they fire Setien after this 8-2 loss, it would mean that they'll pay three managers, have a €671 million wage bill, a spine at the average age of 31.5 age, €212m lost in matchday revenue, and before La Liga-restart they needed €120m to balance the books.

— Maxi (@MaaxiAngelo) August 14, 2020

Barcelona need to revamp their squad, and younger blood needs to be integrated into the first-team picture. However, players like Coutinho, who could still function at the top level potentially for the next two or three years, will be an useful asset for Barcelona.

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#1: Coutinho's creative prowess from midfield

Ivan Rakitic (right) and Arturo Vidal (left) are no longer the players they once were.

As highlighted earlier, Coutinho's major asset is his creativity and flair from the number ten position, something that Barcelona lack right now.

Barcelona have functional midfielders in their squad. But Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal and Sergio Busquets are ageing and clearly in decline while Sergi Roberto is clearly not of the requisite quality.

The arrival of Miralem Pjanic will only increase the average age of the squad. Frenkie de Jong is the only midfield player who fits the right profile for Barcelona but creativity is not his forte.

Sevilla Sporting Director Monchi: "I think it will be difficult to bring Ivan Rakitic back to Sevilla."https://t.co/AQq20JZHu3

— Get Spanish Football News (@GSpanishFN) August 9, 2020

The return of Coutinho will up Barcelona's creativity quotient. Right now the burden of creativity rests heavily on the shoulders of Messi, with Jordi Alba contributing here and there.

The Brazilian's vision and passing from midfield would open up new avenues in Barcelona's attack.

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