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Step forward Anfield’s new South American icon

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LFC celebrateBEFORE he stepped onto the pitch at Anfield on the 11th of January, there were a lot of questions about Philippe Coutinho.

Would he be able to adjust to the English game? Why had we acquired a player for a position where we had depth when there were so many other areas that seemed to need attention more immediately? What need did we have of another diminutive midfielder?

How could a man who had no regular role in Italy benefit Liverpool FC? Were we getting another Aquilani: crazily skilful but without a passion for the club or the will to impose himself on a game?

At this point those questions seem to have been answered in full. From the moment he replaced Stewart Downing in that first game it was obvious there was something special here and his goal against Swansea City less than a week later (after a glorious pass from Suarez) confirmed the fact.

Since then, the points have continued to mount for the gifted Brazilian and his 2 goals and 18 chances created in 12 appearances are a reflection of his effectiveness on the pitch. Furthermore, his willingness to enter the inevitable frays, his willingness to stay on his feet and go toe to toe with the opposition, speaks volumes for his ‘man strength’ as Rodgers so succinctly put it.

In Coutinho and Suarez, Liverpool has two players who can turn a team into perennial contender. A player who excels as these two have, and will continue to do, is a coach’s and manager’s dream.

In my time coaching football and basketball, I have been blessed in having been given a phenomenal player in each sport, and the way they lifted their respective teams in confidence and ability was amazing to watch. Liverpool has had the good fortune and foresight to bring players of this calibre to the club in the likes of Stevie G., Torres, and Alonso and seems at the threshold of a new era with Suarez and Coutinho. Players of this calibre come along rarely but tend to attract more of the same as success builds upon success.

One worrying statistic concerning Coutinho is his effectiveness in the air. His successful aerial challenges (at 10.5%) may not be horrid for an offensive midfielder but, when we consider Liverpool’s overall diminutive stature around the middle of the pitch, he needs someone who will claim the high balls.

We have never had the opportunity to see how well he would coordinate with a large striker. Perhaps using the first six games next season, Brendan could give Andy Carroll a run out just to see how height and power could mesh with speed and intricacy to produce an unstoppable attack.

With that one significant signing in the summer and a return to health of both Gerrard and Allen, the year ahead really should find Liverpool back in the top four.

Sturridge has already shown that he can benefit from our number 10’s diligence and the addition of a forward of stature would give the Reds so many different ‘looks’ to challenge the various opponents and offensive formations we will encounter.

It is not inconceivable that we are entering a new era for Liverpool football with major South American representation. Now if we could only get Coates to start firing on all cylinders…
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Retired High School English teacher. Coached high school football (soccer) and basketball. Played football (soccer) in high school and at university. Live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with my wife and 2 cats. Have been a Liverpool fan since we started receiving broadcasts in Canada. Love to golf and read Terry Pratchett.

5 comments

  • bj says:

    If coates is given a chance, am sure he would prove his qualities n as for coutinho, he’s d man now. Miss suarez so much n hope he returns stronger. I luv liverpool so much, lfc is in my blood. #ynwa

  • Sam says:

    Coats Carroll spearing ngoo assaidi shelvey Flanagan Pacheco Can all be sold

    Then you have Wilson who is out of contract also!!!
    All those above have and are doing next to. Nothing to give this club a hand in getting better.
    I’d sell the lot add the cash to what ever budget we are to have.

  • axis says:

    Sam: I’d sell everyone u mentioned above but Pachecco. I think Rodgers never gave him a chance. I personally rate Pachecco, I just thinks he needed to play more to show his qualities

  • Steven says:

    Average player,dnt know what this luv song is all about

    • Fritz Kropfreiter says:

      Steven – I think you’ll find out next year. Watching this young man’s footsal videos and seeing his performances on the pitch for Liverpool, he is so sublime in his dexterity and so aware of his surroundings that he can’t miss as a future mainstay of our Liverpool XI.

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