Brazil boss Tite has leapt to defend Philippe Coutinho, via Sport, stating that the Barcelona midfielder’s talent is undeniable, amid reported transfer interest from Newcastle United.
Tite has opted to name Coutinho in the Selecao squad for their November internationals to help unlock his ability again. But will name him on the bench against Colombia on Friday.
Coutinho has been met with a lot of criticism for his efforts at the Camp Nou this season. Sport even report his attitude has also frustrated some of the Blaugrana dressing room.
The 29-year-old has only started four of his eight La Liga appearances so far and scored just once. He is also yet to provide an assist in all competitions, after playing 493-minutes.
Tite believes it is not impossible Coutinho rediscovers the form he showed at Liverpool that convinced Barcelona to spend £105m. Although further reports by Sport note the Catalan giants expect Newcastle to target a transfer, after citing the Magpies’ interest last month.
“This is not the best Coutinho, but he has a great projection,” Tite said. “We are going to help rescue what was in Liverpool.
“The talent is not discussed and nobody can say that Coutinho does not have it. We must resume the process of what a great footballer he is.
“For me, ‘Couto’ can occupy either one of the two sides. He can play inside or outside, but he is an articulator, who has to give the last pass.”
Could Barcelona flop Coutinho rediscover his form after Newcastle transfer?
Coutinho has been a flop since his mega-money transfer to Barcelona in 2018, and could look to rediscover the form that Brazil boss Tite believes is still there at Newcastle.
The 63-cap maestro offered 41 goals and 37 assists in 152 Premier League appearances at Liverpool. Including a 13-goal haul during his final full season at Anfield in 2016/17.
He is yet to ever match those figures at Barcelona, with Coutinho enjoying his best return after his January arrival. Netting seven and assisting six goals in 18 La Liga games in 17/18.
Since then, the playmaker Newcastle could target a transfer for has only created four and scored eight in 54 outings.
However, Coutinho did show promise during a season-loan at Bayern Munich in 19/20, with eight goals and six assists over 23 Bundesliga appearances.
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