Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge is backing Philippe Coutinho to replace Adam Lallana in a more central midfield role against Manchester United on Monday.
When Lallana had to go off with a groin strain against Swansea in the Reds’ last league match, the Brazilian began to dictate play, and according to Aldridge it would allow the playmaker to play a more central role against United, and also enable a return for Daniel Sturridge to the starting line up. He wrote in his column for the Liverpool Echo:
“If Adam Lallana isn’t fit for the visit of United then I’d play Philippe Coutinho in that advanced central midfield role and start Daniel Sturridge up front.”
“Coutinho changed the game against Swansea when he moved into the middle. It’s a freer role for him compared to when he’s out on the left where his influence can be a bit limited at times.”
Another possibility open to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, if he wants to keep Roberto Firmino up top, would be to replace Lallana with Emre Can in central midfield. The German has hardly figured this campaign but his energy and dynamism in midfield could well be needed in a feisty North-West Derby, while it would also give the Reds a much needed physical presence to protect the Reds against a Mourinho side which will likely play very directly at Anfield.
