Philippe Coutinho

[Norbs]

Agreed, I think he has done very well, even if he hasn't taken this season by the same storm as when he just got here. Hard to keep that momentum going!

Our play on the field is usually quicker with him in the team than out of the team. He has a great understanding of the quick flowing play, and links up and passes nicely.



Not quite no, but part of that to me is because the opposition is much much more aware of him now. Nobody knew quite what to expect last season, and subsequently how to handle him. This season they know to get away of the forward pass from him because it's so lethal, so he is closed down much more vigorously.

That is a long and short way of saying he's been found out, Darkon. I hope he's able to shift up another gear because as it stands there may be a spell on the bench for him in the more physical games. We've got some home games coming up where he should have a little more time and space and hopefully this will do his confidence a world of good. I think he'll start against Villa and be on the bench come Everton

[Fosterbloke]

I don't think it's a major issue if he's been found out. It means more space for Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling while people close down Coutinho. Basically it's like playing whack-a-mole with our team. No matter who you 'whack', another attacking player will pop up!

[PTP]

he's a very good player - the one issue has been he just hasn't taken his chances which is frustrating,

yes he does drift in and out of games but that 'type' of player tends too. Had he slotted just half of his chances we'd be ****ing raving about him.

that'll come though.

[RichC]

It's the lack of converting chances at the moment but that'll come, he's getting into good positions for us and like you said if he'd converted half of the chances we'd be going mad about him

[Darkon]

That is a long and short way of saying he's been found out, Darkon. I hope he's able to shift up another gear because as it stands there may be a spell on the bench for him in the more physical games. We've got some home games coming up where he should have a little more time and space and hopefully this will do his confidence a world of good. I think he'll start against Villa and be on the bench come Everton

Perhaps it is, and maybe he to some extend has. But if that is the case he creates a lot of space for other players going forward, so it's not all bad; it just means we need to change our expectations of him a bit.

Most players get found out to some extend, and I still think Coutinho have managed to make our passing and link up play better with than without him.

[baitman]

I don't think it's a major issue if he's been found out. It means more space for Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling while people close down Coutinho. Basically it's like playing whack-a-mole with our team. No matter who you 'whack', another attacking player will pop up!

whack-a-mole theory

lets play

GK-2-1-7 and just give them hell.

[Fosterbloke]

Tiki taka whack a mole, give it to Suarez, score a goal (theory).

[Patricks_Berger]

Certainly don't want to get on his case because the talent is obvious- he's a very special even at 21.

Clearly he is not influencing games in the same way this season. Part of this is due to teams catching on to the threat he posses although, ultimately, that extra attention will improve him as a player.

Secondly I think his impact has been lessened by being forced to the left. Last season, particularly when Suarez was banned, he played more centrally and was outstanding linking with Sturridge.

Finally, possibly most relevant re. the through balls- he has started v.few games with Sturridge this season. The two combine brilliantly.

[baitman]

when sturridge and suarez are playing together they are so good at coming deep for the ball, and like to be able to run on to the ball or run with it then the traditional number 10 might almost become superfluous

[Norbs]

Perhaps it is, and maybe he to some extend has. But if that is the case he creates a lot of space for other players going forward, so it's not all bad; it just means we need to change our expectations of him a bit.

Most players get found out to some extend, and I still think Coutinho have managed to make our passing and link up play better with than without him.

Absolutely. Over time he'll learn to craft himself some more space and, like you say, him being policed by our opponents means more space for others to work in. We're a great attacking unit

[danperkins]

Hugely talented player but has struggled this season. I think Rodgers has a problem that Coutinho & Gerrards best position are behind the striker. IMO Coutinho should be dropped for few games. He is so ineffective out left and is off of form. So much ability but just not playing well at the moment. Second season syndrome?

[Exiled_red]

Hugely talented player but has struggled this season. I think Rodgers has a problem that Coutinho & Gerrards best position are behind the striker. IMO Coutinho should be dropped for few games. He is so ineffective out left and is off of form. So much ability but just not playing well at the moment. Second season syndrome?

I think that we should go with a front three of Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling. Coutinho needs to fight to win his place and on form at the moment he is well behind those three. We can't adapt the formation to try and fit them all in like it seems we tried today.

[Montana]

A dip in form and normal for young players but overall has been ok this season. He'll be firing on all cylinders again soon, no doubts. Great talent.

[danperkins]

I think that we should go with a front three of Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling. Coutinho needs to fight to win his place and on form at the moment he is well behind those three. We can't adapt the formation to try and fit them all in like it seems we tried today.

[vlahka]

He's just in a dip. I absolutely love him.