7 - Philippe Coutinho - V1
- Thread starter AnfieldEd
- Start date
Raketa10
Senior Member
I wouldn't mind him as a Neymar replacement but he is a misfit in midfield
The same reason Denis, Rafinha, Arda will never fit our midfield
Swap deal with Liverpool Neymar for Coutinho
Strong NO
Strong NO
Then let each stay at his current club
El Flaco
Active member
i_bleed_blaugrana
Senior Member
I've always fancied him here for us for a few years tbh. He has a keen eye for a killer through ball and is obviously dynamic on the ball. Very close to Iniesta who we need to legitimately find a long-term replacement for. We can't repeat what we did with Xavi with Iniesta, and I think someone like Coutinho will be key to keeping Neymar here long term, especially post-Messi.
The problem however is in MF, we need smooth outlet balls from deep positions. Particularly last night at the Anoeta but also in other games this season, we have struggled to make a clean first pass out from our defensive end. It's all on Busi to do that, teams are suffocating him which is partially why he hasn't looked himself this season and this problem is why I'm kinda done with Rakitic here. He was abysmal against Sociedad, was not dropping back quickly enough and was woefully inaccurate in his passing. That's unacceptable in the position he's in and this is a big concern in this squad because we really still don't have that guy for us in MF. I'd need to see more of Gomes in Raki's position to be certain but so far, I'm not convinced.
On the other hand, I've liked what I've seen from Denis and Rafa so far and their progress in particular will determine if we should go for Coutinho in the summer, because we won't get him in January. The question then is if Coutinho will be a definite upgrade on both Rafa and Denis. If not, then can he play in the deeper positon, which from what I've seen from him, I'd be skeptical at best of him performing well there consistently.
He's complicated. I wouldn't mind him here at all but he would force some MFs to leave (which I'm not against at this point) and in all honesty, Veratti is the type of MF we should be targeting. Him, Bazoer or Tielemans are really who I think fits the bill for what we are looking for.
The problem however is in MF, we need smooth outlet balls from deep positions. Particularly last night at the Anoeta but also in other games this season, we have struggled to make a clean first pass out from our defensive end. It's all on Busi to do that, teams are suffocating him which is partially why he hasn't looked himself this season and this problem is why I'm kinda done with Rakitic here. He was abysmal against Sociedad, was not dropping back quickly enough and was woefully inaccurate in his passing. That's unacceptable in the position he's in and this is a big concern in this squad because we really still don't have that guy for us in MF. I'd need to see more of Gomes in Raki's position to be certain but so far, I'm not convinced.
On the other hand, I've liked what I've seen from Denis and Rafa so far and their progress in particular will determine if we should go for Coutinho in the summer, because we won't get him in January. The question then is if Coutinho will be a definite upgrade on both Rafa and Denis. If not, then can he play in the deeper positon, which from what I've seen from him, I'd be skeptical at best of him performing well there consistently.
He's complicated. I wouldn't mind him here at all but he would force some MFs to leave (which I'm not against at this point) and in all honesty, Veratti is the type of MF we should be targeting. Him, Bazoer or Tielemans are really who I think fits the bill for what we are looking for.
Yannik
Senior Member
Liverpool looks alright without him, it's the defense that is trouble
Raketa10
Senior Member
Defense is trouble for sure, but they are far less dangerous without him in the attack.
Yannik
Senior Member
they have scored like 14 goals in the 5 games he missed. (one of those is still running)
AnfieldEd
I am Leg End
At least you won't be able to get Coutinho on the cheap now with a new 5 year deal almost done. He's currently on £80k p/w and will almost double that to £150k p/w.
So with no clause you're looking at a starting point of £70m. Plus wages of at least £150k p/w to match his new salary.
So with no clause you're looking at a starting point of £70m. Plus wages of at least £150k p/w to match his new salary.
khaled_a_d
Senior Member
That is good news for both clubs IMHO
He'd take a pay-cut like Suarez no problem.
But I am glad you're keeping him. We need a playmaker not Coutinho.
Messi983
Senior Member
What was his clause before signing a new deal? It was probably also around 70m so I doubt it will really change that much for interested clubs if/when he'll want to leave.
barcafan161
Active member
thought he might demand more than 150pw but still a great rise for him
Neymessi
Active member
He was always going to be very costly. He is one of those big name players right now who is really hot in the market. We paid 100 mil for neymar who was in his last year of contract too. Imo a big name will always sell costly.
What? Who said coutinho is not a playmaker?
What we need more than anything is a playmaker in the midfield. Our midfield is becoming worse every season. And there is no creativity there currently if not for an aging iniesta who saves the day sometimes.
The difference in quality in midfield and attack is massive right now and coutinho would be a great signing if we don't get verratti
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