El Clasico 2018/19: 4 Players who could start in Messi's position for Barcelona

#3 Philippe Coutinho

FC Barcelona v FC Internazionale - UEFA Champions League Group B

The Brazilian will most certainly start from the left side, however, Valverde could be tempted to surprise Real Madrid by starting Coutinho in Messi's position on the right. The Brazilian has already scored 4 goals from 13 games in all competitions so far, registering another 3 assists and since joining Barcelona at the start of the year, has taking to the La Liga like fish to water.

Coutinho has also formed a formidable understanding with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez and can be effective on the right wing as well. He thrives in the free role that Messi has mastered over the years and can find his teammates with inch-perfect balls.

However, Coutinho might not be as effective while cutting in from the right. Also, the Brazilian has thrived in the left side of the attack and moving him out of position might affect his playing style, especially since he is so good at cutting in from the left and shooting.

But if called upon, Coutinho is still capable of affecting the game from Messi's position.