While Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly looking to sign Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho, the Brazilian has been doing his job for the Premier League side this season. The 24-year-old has been on fire for the Reds and his performances have seen the Merseyside club stay on top of the Premier League, albeit, tied on points with Manchester City and Arsenal.
Coutinho was in action yet again as Liverpool defeated Crystal Palace 4-2 and he provided a couple of assists in the game. His corners to Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip led to goals for the Reds and it could have been a lot more for the Brazilian.
The former Inter Milan man has now scored four goals and provided four assists this season, thus pushing him ahead of compatriot Neymar as the most attacking and effective Brazilian in Europe. The Barcelona forward has four goals and three assists this season but he has played fewer games than Coutinho.
The 24-year-old Brazilian could have scored or assisted a lot more in the Palace’s game as he was mesmerizing and easily the best player on the pitch. He once set up Alberto Moreno in the first half but the Spaniard smacked his shot against the crossbar.
Coutinho then saw a header saved brilliantly by Steve Mandanda, who pushed it onto the post. Even Sadio Mane was set up by the Brazilian in the second half but the former Saints’ man could not shoot past the Palace goalkeeper.
Coutinho’s form has been incredible for the Reds
Liverpool are top of the pile in the Premier League and it is thanks to this form by Coutinho, and the rest of the players, that has been the reason for it. The Brazilian seems to be playing incredibly well and will only get better as the season progresses.
One reason why the 24-year-old is thriving is the gegenpressing style that Jurgen Klopp employs at Liverpool. The ball is often won close to the opposition’s penalty box and that makes attacking easier. The German manager has also brought in players that suit the quick paced attack and Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are the perfect foils for Coutinho to thrive.
Even the likes of Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum have been perfect players for the Liverpool system this season. Although the Reds still have problems defending, if players like Coutinho keep performing at the levels they have started, the Merseyside club could be looking at their first ever Premier League title.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30LopWcC020
