Philippe Coutinho: The new heartbeat of Liverpool?

Philippe Coutinho in action against Swansea City

This weekend saw Liverpool pick up their first defeat of the season. Brendan Rogers accused the team of defending criminally, but defensive lapses aside, it was the dearth of attacking options/outlets which tilted the game in Southampton’s favour.

No disrespect to Southampton, but given the fact that Southampton under Pochettino have always taken on the big sides, Liverpool should have expected Southampton to come at them all guns blazing.

Lapses in concentration, poor team selection, underestimating the opposition, selfish attacking play – these were just some of the characteristics on display the other evening.

While injuries are a part and parcel of the game, it was quite obvious that Liverpool couldn’t just be inventive enough. There was no running between the lines, no link up play and too much was expected out of Gerrard and Sturridge.

Liverpool under Rodgers have been looking to play a more possession based fluid system, in which Coutinho has been the lynchpin who orchestrates the attacks with his intelligent running and reverse passes.

While the chemistry between him and Sturridge has started showing signs of encouragement, it’s the eagerness of the Brazilian that puts him into positions to provide the final pass. Since his arrival in the January transfer window, it has been the adaptability and his creativity which has helped him flourish in a Liverpool side that had been short of creative options.

For all the accolades, Steven Gerrard is the driving force and not a creator; the non-availability of Suarez has also been a factor. In the opening month when Liverpool picked up wins over Manchester United, Villa and Stoke, it was a combination of good play and luck as the team was aware of the lack of options, so Rodgers setup his team in that manner. The injury to Coutinho though has hampered the team’s style.

The returning Suarez though will probably take Coutinho’s responsibilities for the time being, although the Uruguayan has a lot to prove after his courtship with Arsenal this summer. While Rooney has responded admirably for United, Suarez should look to do the same and be a professional about it rather than sulk and whine.

While it is too early to say that Coutinho is the new heartbeat, it will have to take some effort to eclipse the Brazilian for Suarez. It’s never too late and coming this Wednesday when Liverpool take on Manchester United in the Capital One Cup, it just might be the perfect platform for Suarez to redeem himself.