Classy Coutinho DOES turn up in big games

THERE has been some pretty hasty revisionism in the wake of Philippe Coutinho’s stated desire to move to Barcelona. According to some Liverpool followers, the Brazilian is not their team’s best player, Sadio Mane is. Some have gone further, suggesting Coutinho doesn’t always turn up in the big games. Well, this was a big game and Coutinho turned up. Without him, Liverpool wouldn’t have won it, reinforcing the view that the 25-year-old is one player Jurgen Klopp cannot afford to be without. Liverpool are going forward under Klopp but if they are to win the Premier League, they will need a safebreaker and the absence of Coutinho would diminish them. His goal at Leicester was perfect, a technically flawless strike with the instep of his right foot. It was one of those free-kicks that the goalkeeper knew was heading towards a certain part of the goal but was still unable to get in its way. However, it was his part in Liverpool’s first goal that showcased Coutinho’s true genius. Watch the footage and you will see Mohamed Salah briefly raise his hand as he moves to the far post. He has a slight run on his marker but to expect the ball to reach him was still ambitious. Coutinho has the vision and the range, though, and the crossfield pass he dropped on to Salah’s head from 35 yards was perfect simply because it had to be. That is the beauty of Coutinho. He can do things that others can’t and he is precious because of it.