There was a growing doubt in the minds of Liverpool fans that perhaps it was time to give Philippe Coutinho some time off from the starting eleven to give him time to regain his fitness and form. However, manager Brendan Rodgers stuck with the Brazilian playmaker, and his performance against Everton dispelled all doubts that may have been lingering in the minds of fans about a possible loss of form. (All stats taken from squawka)
Coutinho’s performances had been on the decline since his productive outing against Cardiff just before Christmas. Whether it was the congested fixture list or a lack of fitness, his performances seemed to dip and he seemed to be off the pace in the following games. Failed dribbles, misplaced passes and losing possession all too easily became an increasingly common site over the course of the next month or so, and fans became restless.
However, against Everton, Coutinho put in a great performance in the middle of the park after he was given the license to play a more central role than he had been afforded in recent games. He roamed around all across the pitch and got involved in the play as often as he could. He put in an outstanding shift, and even helped the team out defensively with 2 clearances and 3 successful tackles just outside the penalty box.
Coutinho was willing to drop deep and help out which was a rather refreshing site for Liverpool fans who always appreciate good work ethic regardless of the quality of the final outcome. The fact that Everton bossed the possession with 61% of the ball certainly didn’t help but Coutinho was there to help out his team mates when Everton were on top, something that was missing from his recent performances.
Even though his passing was slightly off, he completed 34 of the 44 passes that he attempted, most of his misplaced passes were attempted through balls in the final third. He seemed to have more intent and was looking to do something with the ball every time he had it at his feet, and was looking to run with the ball at Everton’s defense. One such run near the halfway line culminated in a delightful through ball for Daniel Sturridge to run on to and score his first and Liverpool’s second goal.
Coutinho was always looking to link up with Suarez or Sturridge was close to his incisive best. He created 4 chances against Everton, which was much more than the 1.65 chances per game he averaged before yesterday. By playing in a more central role in midfield, Coutinho was able to influence the game to a greater extent and he had the most attempted passes of any player in the Liverpool team, and the second most successful passes after Jordan Henderson.
The diminutive Brazilian proved last night that all doubts about his form and fitness are unjustified, and he will be an integral part of the vision manager Brendan Rodgers has for the club going forward. It’s time for the fans and pundits alike to sit back and enjoy his silky play once again. Philippe Coutinho is back, and with a bang.
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