Neymar Sparks Rumors Again—Is Coutinho Right for Barca?

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 10: Philippe Coutinho of Brazil celebrates with teammate Neymar Jr after scoring the opening goal during a match between Argentina and Brazil as part of FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers at Mineirao Stadium on November 10, 2016 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Ricardo Botelho/LatinContent/Getty Images)
BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 10: Philippe Coutinho of Brazil celebrates with teammate Neymar Jr after scoring the opening goal during a match between Argentina and Brazil as part of FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers at Mineirao Stadium on November 10, 2016 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Ricardo Botelho/LatinContent/Getty Images) /
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Tactical Compatibility

He’s got the great feet, vision and eye for goal desired out of a Barcelona player, but would he even get in the team?

Neymar occupies the left-wing, which is where Coutinho operates for Liverpool. Many have likened him to Iniesta in the midfield. However the aforementioned issues in work rate and consistency make midfield a big adjustment for him. He’s dropped into a deeper role at Liverpool and shown great potential there. However, he clearly fancies an advanced role, whether as a No. 10 or out on the left. Iniesta’s box-to-box role would need some changing if Coutinho were to take it on.

If Barcelona prefer a true No. 10 instead of the more similar No. 8 to play just in front of Sergio Busquets, perhaps Coutinho is a good fit. But, there is a reason they have also been linked to Marco Verratti.