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Philippe Coutinho explains why he joined Barcelona

By Laieke Abebe

FC Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho (14) during the match between RCD Espanyol vs FC Barcelona, for the round 22 of the Liga Santander, played at Cornella -El Prat Stadium on 4th February 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. -- (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
FC Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho (14) during the match between RCD Espanyol vs FC Barcelona, for the round 22 of the Liga Santander, played at Cornella -El Prat Stadium on 4th February 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. -- (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho explained why he decided to leave English Premier League power Liverpool for Barcelona.

Philippe Coutinho is still adjusting to play for Barcelona. He just got his first full 90 minutes as a member of the Blaugrana in a 1-1 draw at Espanyol. The Brazilian completed a £142 million transfer from Premier League side Liverpool to Camp Nou at the start of the January transfer window. This comes after he failed to force a move away from Anfield in this past summers transfer window.

Despite that draw against their Catalan rivals, Barcelona is still at the top of La Liga. In addition to that, Barca is in the semifinals of the Copa Del Rey against Valencia and they’re up 1-0. The right result would send the Blaugrana to another Copa Del Rey final. This means that Coutinho could potentially end the season with two trophies after failing to win a trophy with Liverpool. His presence helps the midfield that needed some depth.

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With Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets getting older, the Blaugrana needed to make a move for a midfielder as a plan to jump-start the future. Philippe Coutinho turned out to be the player for them. Despite the high price tag, Coutinho should still be able to impact the Barca squad in an attacking midfield role. The Brazilian is beginning to learn from playing with some of the best players on the planet.

Coutinho talked about how much he has learned from observing Iniesta and Lionel Messi. Both of them have impacted how Coutinho trains and plays. In the end, the Brazilian midfielder wants to help Barca win trophies. He spoke about this and more to the Spanish media ahead of the match against Valencia.

"“Andres [Iniesta] is a genius, and anyone who plays with him will make them better. I am enjoying my time together with him and also with Leo, for me they are idols. It seems incredible, but every day Messi gets better, and as a teammate I can only take advantage of my moments with him. I’ve learned a lot from everyone and I’ve tried to take advantage of everything they taught me.”Philippe Coutinho on Messi and Iniesta"

Next: Mid-season analysis of the Barcelona defense

Overall, Coutinho will need to play his best against Valencia. They are a tough team to beat especially at home. The Mestalla is sure to be electric because Valencia is still in the tie against Barcelona. Despite being 1-0 up going into the second leg, the Blaugrana  have to play their best match of the season to beat Valencia. Maybe this could be the time that Coutinho makes a big impact.

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