What has happened to Philippe Coutinho?

Last updated : 18 February 2023 By Adam Bryant

Philippe Coutinho was sublime at the start of the season. He was key to Liverpool’s fresh attacking play that saw Jurgen Klopp’s side battling it out at the top of the Premier League. But then the Brazilian playmaker picked up an ankle injury at possibly the worst time for the club - the hectic festive period. Our stride was well and truly broken as shocking defeat after shocking defeat saw the Reds slip slowly down the table, dashing any hopes of Premier League success. Coutinho’s injury wasn’t the only factor in this dip in form, but it was a major one.

His return in January was a welcome relief for the fans, but by this time a fair chunk of morale had been knocked out of the team and things weren’t flowing quite the same as they were in the first few months. Many of the players struggled to find form, but it was Coutinho’s lacklustre performances, lacking the creativity needed to break down lower league clubs that were noticeable.

Players like Coutinho thrive on fast, open play and teammates eager for the ball. It’s the kind of football that allows him that kingpin position that he enjoys so much. The culmination of his slow return to full fitness and the dip in form throughout the whole team left Coutinho lacking ingenuity.

It’s slowly coming back though. We saw some sublime touches during the Man City game last week and hopefully he will return from his international duty with Brazil fully fit and raring to go again. He’ll need to be as we need to make the most of the last nine games of the season. Champions League beckons next season if we can hold onto that fourth place. If we don’t qualify then he may well be tempted by offers from Barcelona or Real Madrid. The transfer rumours are only going to increase between now and May.

For now though, let’s leave the Toffees feeling blue next weekend!