A look at Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho’s disappointing 2014/15 so far.
Amid Liverpool’s under-whelming start to the season, the flagging form of Philippe Coutinho has gone largely under the radar.
New signing Mario Balotelli has copped plenty of flak, but at times the service has been found wanting.
No player is more illustrative of that than the Brazilian, who has managed a measly four chances created in five games.
That compares poorly with his teammates, especially considering his principle role of playmaker in the side.
| Key Passes | Apps | Mins | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raheem Sterling | 18 | 7 | 554 |
| Steven Gerrard | 17 | 7 | 630 |
| Jordan Henderson | 15 | 7 | 630 |
| Alberto Moreno | 9 | 6 | 540 |
| Mario Balotelli | 4 | 5 | 336 |
| Philippe Coutinho | 4 | 5 | 331 |
Coutinho has played far less minutes than some of his colleagues, but even so, he lags well behind on a minutes per basis.
| mins / Key Pass | Apps | |
|---|---|---|
| Raheem Sterling | 30.78 | 7 |
| Steven Gerrard | 37.06 | 7 |
| Jordan Henderson | 42.00 | 7 |
| Alberto Moreno | 60.00 | 6 |
| Lazar Markovic | 63.33 | 4 |
| Adam Lallana | 71.50 | 4 |
| Philippe Coutinho | 82.75 | 5 |
| Mario Balotelli | 84.00 | 5 |
His form has been enough to see him retain his place in the Brazil squad, but Liverpool will want more from him upon his return.
Daniel Sturridge is likely to return from injury soon, and his movement will help Coutinho flourish. Liverpool need him to if they are to get back to being the vibrant side they were in 2013/14.
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