Analysing the Importance of Philippe Coutinho to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool

Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho made his first appearance of Liverpool’s pre-season on Sunday afternoon, lining up alongside the likes of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in the first half of the Reds’ 2-0 win away to Wigan Athletic and providing a salient reminder of his importance to Jurgen Klopp.

Over 45 minutes at the DW Stadium, Coutinho twisted, turned and surged through the Latics defence, testing goalkeeper Lee Nicholls whenever possible in a display that belied his lack of match fitness—he had spent close to a month out of action following Brazil’s exit from the Copa America Centenario.

The 24-year-old hit the woodwork twice and looked to have struck up a positive early understanding with summer signing Mane, as well as resuming his excellent combination play with his compatriot, Roberto Firmino.

It was a strong showing from the former Inter Milan midfielder, one that saw Goal’s Melissa Reddy hail him for his class and cutting edge:

Phil Coutinho and the woodwork being reacquainted. The Brazilian is twice denied inside the opening 15 mins. Been sharp and typically classy

— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) July 17, 2016

Coutinho is in line to start Liverpool’s final domestic friendly away to Huddersfield Town on July 20 before taking up a key role for the Reds during their money-spinning tour of the United States, where he can test his abilities against Chelsea (July 27), AC Milan (July 30) and AS Roma (August 1).

He will be joined by the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Nathaniel Clyne, Divock Origi and Emre Can on the other side of the Atlantic as Klopp’s summer internationals return to availability following their respective holidays.

But despite the plethora of big-name stars at Klopp’s disposal this summer—and with another to come in Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who according to the Shields Gazette’s Miles Starford is closing in on a move to Merseyside from Newcastle United—Coutinho remains the German’s key player.

“Our country has many brilliant players in Europe,” Brazilian legend Pele told LFCTV on the midfielder’s return to pre-season training. “There are other good young Brazilians in Europe at the moment, but they don’t have Philippe’s experience. He grew up in Europe, moving to Italy when he was just 17 or 18—so he’s a more experienced player already.”

As Pele’s praise attests, Coutinho’s majesty is finally being recognised in his home country, with his performances underlining his blossoming talent, despite Brazil’s miserable Copa America campaign.

They included a hat-trick as Brazil thrashed Haiti 7-1 at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, leading then-manager Dunga to tell reporters, “That is what we wanted [from him].”

Throughout the …

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