Do Liverpool need to replace Coutinho?
This is a new project I’m starting where write my thoughts about football on Medium in short columns of opinions, news and the work I’ve been doing. You can see my other writing here.
Philippe Coutinho
With Coutinho becoming the second most expensive transfer ever, in nominal terms, a few days ago there has been a lot of discussion about him. I have a lot of friends who are Liverpool fans. They all want to talk about getting Lemar to replace Coutinho. They want a big money signing to be a direct replacement for the Brazilian.
Do Liverpool need to replace him though? They have a lot of attacking talent already. Mané and Salah occupy the flanks on the outside of Firmino. Salah is having outstanding debut season for Liverpool with 17 Premier League goals already.
Despite the fact I’ve never been his biggest fan and get annoyed by his shooting habits, he is world class.
I’ve heard a lot names in the running for Liverpool to sign. Lemar, Mertens, Meyer, Brandt and Isco have all been mentioned. Some more realistic than others. I’m a fan of Julian Brandt and have written about him here and he would be a bargain with a rumoured €12.5m release clause.
Firmino in his best season at Hoffenheim (13/14) he played behind the striker in a 4231. He can comfortably play the attacking playmaking role. So, Liverpool are versatile with their options in that they could also recruit a striker. However, brilliant attacking midfielders are much easier to come across and cheaper in today’s transfer market than respected goal scorers.
Liverpool have a strong team and it doesn’t seem to me there is an urgent need to recruit another attacker. Looking at their options going forward they don’t look like a team who has just lot a key player.
You could also argue that Liverpool essentially replaced Coutinho with Mo Salah in summer. Salah has become the star man and is tearing up the Premier League so far. So why would they need to replace Coutinho if they’re doing well anyway?
The Rest of the Team
Behind the front three Klopp has (from next season) Keita, Wjinaldum, Oxalde-Chamberlain, Henderson and Lallana as options. A strong team to compete for top spots in the Premier League. And even Europe.
Van Dijk has massively strengthened the spine of the team. Full back are weak areas but still good young players. Good potential, if Liverpool fans are willing to wait.
Goalkeeper is another weakness. But, they’re reportedly investing in a new keeper in Allison from Roma. He was suggested by Ashwin Raman in this article.
