Former Liverpool and Tottenham player Danny Murphy says that Dele Alli is a better player than Philippe Coutinho.
Danny Murphy has said that Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli is a better player than Liverpool’s attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho.
Reports are doing the rounds that Barcelona are interested in Coutinho, and are ready to offer £80 million for the Brazilian. However, Liverpool are seeking a fee in the north of £133 million.
Murphy while reflecting on Coutinho’s price tag, brought Alli into comparison saying the young Spurs player would have valued more as he is a better player than the Brazilian.
“Coutinho scored 14 goals last season and that was his best return,” said Murphy while speaking to talkSPORT host Jim White.
“If Liverpool rate him at around £100m, what’s Dele Alli worth? He’s better than Coutinho. Different but better.”
Is Alli a better player than Coutinho?
Murphy argues that Coutinho scored 13 goals in the Premier League last season, and that was his best return. Alli in comparison scored 18 goals and registered seven assists.
It is difficult to compare two players who are so different from each other – in terms of position, style of play and what they bring to the team.
Alli is given a free role behind the striker, a reason why he gets himself into good scoring positions every time – of course, he makes it look so easy because he is a special player.
Coutinho, on the other hand, brings more to the game than just scoring goals. He is the creative heart-beat of the team. When he is on fire, Liverpool look unbeatable.
The 25-year-old drops deep to create chances or get involved in intelligent link-up play, something we generally don’t associate with Alli.
The England international is all about clever movement, posing threat in the final third, and great finishing ability – a more Frank Lampard type player in an advanced role.
What Alli brings is consistency. What Coutinho brings is moments of genius.
Alli will get into a position where the defenders fail to mark him (his two goals against Chelsea last season).
Coutinho can change the momentum of the game with one moment of sublime quality (his free-kick against Arsenal on the opening day of last season).
The comparison (goals scored) looks flawed considering the amount of time Coutinho missed last season through injury.
Alli executes his job perfectly what Mauricio Pochettino demands from him. Coutinho, likewise, brings different qualities what Jurgen Klopp asks from him.
Having said that, Alli is only 21 and he has all the potential to develop into a world class player, if he has not already.
Coutinho, on the other hand, is good enough to play for Barcelona.
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