Liverpool legend believes Brazilian needs a reality check
Mark Lawrenson believes Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho is a growing problem at Anfield and he’s in need of a reality check.
The Brazilian play-maker won lots of plaudits last season for his consistent performances near the end of the campaign, but so far this year, he’s been invisible and ineffective for the Reds.
Coutinho was nominated for PFA Player of the Year last season, and was strongly linked with a move to La Liga giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid over the summer.
However, a move away never materialised and he remained at Anfield, but since then, his form has drastically declined, so much so, he’s been dropped by the Brazil manager Dunga.
Speaking about the 23-year-old, Lawrenson stated the midfielder needs a reality check as at the minute he’s a real problem for Liverpool.
Coutinho’s A Problem
“How do you solve a problem like Philippe Coutinho? The manner in which Jurgen Klopp utilises the Brazilian will be something to watch over the coming weeks,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
“Klopp has probably looked at Coutinho’s performances over the last few months and thought ‘I keep reading about what a player you are, but I’m not really seeing it’.
“I thought Coutinho was wasteful against Rubin Kazan and then disappeared out of the game. This is Rubin Kazan we’re talking about. Not a Chelsea or Manchester City.
“But that inability to grab a game by the scruff of the neck has been a problem all season,” he added.
“I don’t think Coutinho is giving the team enough. As for this talk of a possible move away from Anfield, Coutinho needs a bit of a reality check. He ain’t going to Barcelona or Real Madrid any time soon.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
