Philippe Coutinho

[Doc_Piptorious]

Thanks for that

Had forgotten about Fekir, watched him last year and he looked a player

What about Kovacic (sp)??

Had not even thought about him tbh. Very good player but he is closer to Veratti in many ways in terms of style than Coutinho and whereas Veratti would bring qualities of the highest level to the team (qualities that, whilst different to those of Coutinho, could make up for the qualities we would lose) I don't think Kovacic, whilst very good, is at the same sort of level to do similar.


His teammate Isco might be closer to Coutinho in terms of skillset/team impact than Kovacic

[Snigger]

Lemar and Mahrez dont strike me as Coutinho type players. They would seem more like Mane/Salah type players (pacey wide players / attackers)

So if we are buying one of these lads as his replacement we are altering the focus of how we play and how we supply the forward players

Who out there plays similar to Coutinho

Not in his current deeper role , but Coutinho has played the Mahrez position frequently. One rag has suggested Klopp is requesting Andre Gomes be included as part of any deal - not the same finesse as wee Phil but might work. I'm not sure there is another player our there that offers what Coutinho does.

[Fierce]

Based on my extensive experience of European football I've provided about 20 players of a similar ilk. You massive ****houses

[Tee]

Dries Mertens would be a quality experienced replacement.

[Alex]

He has been at Napoli years now. I cant see him going at this point. Also having a brilliant season this year.

[Shaggy]

About 30 isn't he? Class player but no way we'd replace Coutinho with a 30 year old.

[Fierce]

Kroos, Keita, DM

Done

[Alex]

About 30 isn't he? Class player but no way we'd replace Coutinho with a 30 year old.

Yep 30. I remember us being linked about 5 or so years ago. Hes great, but at 30 he wont get time to adjust to the pace.

[labourRed]

I plumped for Draxler as similar players IMO to Coutinho are unavailable, i.e. Isco, Eriksen, KDB. I've not seen a lot of Fakir and some others mentioned but they all seem more like forwards. Best bet is getting a two for one deal like Kovacic and a decent goalkeeper instead.

[Tee]

About 30 isn't he? Class player but no way we'd replace Coutinho with a 30 year old.

Why not? Would be great for a couple of years, giving us time to find the next No.10....just a thought

[Tee]

Yep 30. I remember us being linked about 5 or so years ago. Hes great, but at 30 he wont get time to adjust to the pace.

Old wives tale about the pace of the PL.... quality will always shine

[Helios Creed]

Don't mean to be negative, but is no-one else worried that we've already agreed a fee and that money has been used to fund the recent uncharacteristically high value purchases we've made? £75m??!!!

[Maxiedge]

Thiago Alacantra but dont think he’ll be available. Wasn’t he at Barca before anyway and they let him go? ****ing muppets

[Fosterbloke]

Thanks for that

Had forgotten about Fekir, watched him last year and he looked a player

What about Kovacic (sp)??

He's getting on a bit but Modric.

[labourRed]

Don't mean to be negative, but is no-one else worried that we've already agreed a fee and that money has been used to fund the recent uncharacteristically high value purchases we've made? £75m??!!!

You can only guess that in hindsight over a few windows but recent seasons would tell you they balance the books to some extent.

Another name I haven't seen mentioned is Suso. Might have a release clause if I remember reading that.