BARCELONA (REUTERS) - Barcelona shelled out a club record €160 million (S$250 million) to prise Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool, yet one year on from his signing, the Brazilian is struggling to get a game while his former side are thriving in his absence.
Coutinho, the third most expensive player in the world behind Paris St Germain's Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, made a flying start to his Barcelona career with 10 goals in his first five months, giving the team a more direct outlet in midfield and an extra threat with his impressive long-range shooting.
But his impact has waned. He has failed to start any of the La Liga leaders' last three league games, falling behind Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal and French forward Ousmane Dembele in the pecking order.
Coach Ernesto Valverde has stopped short of publicly criticising the player, and neglected to say whether he had a preference for Coutinho or Dembele, the club's second most expensive acquisition at 105 million euros.
"It's a long way from being a problem having them both. It's an advantage," Valverde said last month.
"The coach is pro-Barca, he wants the team to win."
Valverde's recent team selections, however, may offer a clue to his thinking.
Â
Â
There was no place for Coutinho when Valverde fielded an unorthodox 3-5-2 formation in the recent 5-0 hammering of Levante, while he also left the Brazilian out when playing his usual 4-3-3 shape in victories over Espanyol and Celta Vigo.
The coach did pick Coutinho for a visit to Rayo Vallecano in November, but when he saw his side losing 2-1 at one of the weakest teams in the top flight, he hauled off the Brazilian and later brought on Dembele, who scored as Barca pulled off a dramatic 3-2 victory.
In the last three league outings, Valverde has continued to show faith in Dembele, despite the French youngster running into trouble for turning up late to training.
With the lightning quick forward forming a blistering attacking trident with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, and the highly-experienced Vidal slotting comfortably into the midfield three, Coutinho has been forced to make do with cameo appearances from the bench.
It is quite the fall from grace for a player many believed was signed as the long-term successor to Andres Iniesta, who ended 16 trophy-laden seasons with Barca last May to see out his career in Japan.
With Liverpool sitting four points clear at the top of the Premier League, Coutinho may be wondering on Sunday's anniversary of his transfer from Anfield to the Nou Camp whether it was quite the dream move he had imagined at the time.
Late Ronaldo goal foils Torino 2 Min Read TURIN, Italy (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo headed a late equaliser to deny Torino their first win away to neighbours Juventus for 24 years as the two
Late Ronaldo goal foils Torino - Stabroek News
MUNICH (Germany): Bayern Munich won a record-extending seventh consecutive Bundesliga title on Saturday after crushing Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 to finish two points ahead of rivals Borussia
Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title for seventh successive
Wes Brown recognises Ferguson fingerprints at Manchester United under Solskjaer Since replacing Jose Mourinho in December in a caretaker role, Solskjaer has put forward a near-perfect case to take
Former Manchester United stalwarts Dwight Yorke and Wes Brown
chennaiyinfc.com/former-manchester-united-stalwarts-dwight-yorke-and-wes-brown-meet-chennaiyin-fc-stars/
Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke was a special guest at the Indian Super League encounter between reigning champions Chennaiyin FC and Delhi Dynamos FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Saturday evening.
ISL 2017: Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown signs
Tottenham's Kane has been ready to play for 10 days - Pochettino. "Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world and of course for a team like us it's a massive impact to have him
Tottenham's Kane has been ready to play for 10 days
NFL Media senior analyst and personnel guru Gil Brandt ranks the best running backs in NFL history. Take a look at how they stack up.
The Greatest Comeback in Football History | Super Bowl 51
To find streamers for Destiny, see our Community Streamer Page. No advertising, selling, trying to buy, trading, or begging. Any user who wishes to make a giveaway, contest (with prizes), or charity post must receive approval from moderators BEFORE making the post.
NEW YORK (AFP) - Wall Street stocks finished a choppy session slightly lower on Tuesday (Feb 26) after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated a dovish approach to further interest rate hikes.
Global stocks turn negative as India-Pakistan tensions worsen
Your lender wants to ensure that there's always enough money in your account to pay the bills when they're due. Lenders usually require you to keep a little extra money in your escrow account at all times in case your taxes or premiums go up or you're late with a payment in the month a bill comes due.
Bank Error in Your Favor? But Can You Keep the Cash?
Solskjaer aims thinly-veiled dig at Jose over 'stupid' tactics. Date published: Tuesday 15th January 2019 8:20. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seemed to take a dig at Jose Mourinho over his tactics
Stadium switch poised to lift Spurs. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino (waving) and chairman Daniel Levy in the stands of the new stadium during the Under-18 Premier League game against
Stadium switch poised to lift Spurs - theworldnews.net
Spurs blasted for lacking hunger, mental strength LONDON • Mauricio Pochettino was damning in his assessment of his Tottenham players after they lost 2-1 at Southampton, accusing them of "complacency" and "arrogance" before suggesting that they do not have the mental strength required to win major honours.
Does Lebron lack Mental Toughness? | Yahoo Answers
0 comments:
Post a Comment