Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho believes the freedom he has been given to play in any forward role under Jurgen Klopp has led to him becoming increasingly influential on the team’s performances.
Reds coach Pep Lijnders explained in an interview with Dutch magazine Voetbal International how Klopp’s tactics emulate the classic “total football” of Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff by allowing players to change roles when in possession of the ball, and Coutinho told Sky Sports it has helped him to express himself more on the field:
“I like the position that I’m now playing at Liverpool. What I like most about it is that I don’t have to just stay in one place. I have the freedom to move around. The manager is comfortable with me doing it and that’s given me the confidence to go and play.”
Although Coutinho originally excelled under Brendan Rodgers, the Brazilian could be inconsistent in his displays. Under Klopp however, with the new attacking dynamics in place, it seems the Brazilian international has come into his own. With five goals and five assists in the opening 12 league matches, the 24 year old is looking odds on to reach at least double figures in both categories this season.
