Could Phillipe Coutinho Be the Long-Awaited Replacement for Eden Hazard?
Following the departure of Eden Hazard in the summer of 2019, Chelsea were unable to replace their talisman due to their transfer ban. Ho...
https://www.chelseadaft.org/2020/03/could-phillipe-coutinho-be-long-awaited.html
Following the departure of Eden Hazard in the summer of 2019, Chelsea were unable to replace their talisman due to their transfer ban. However, with the restrictions placed on their buying abilities now lifted, it’s the right time for them to target a proven winger to fill the void left by the Belgian.
With that said, Philippe Coutinho could prove to be a perfect piece of business.
Versatility in Abundance
In his earlier years, the now 27-year-old Brazilian primarily operated from central areas where he was often utilised in the traditional number ten role. However, following his £8.5m arrival to the Premier League back in January 2013, Coutinho demonstrated his world-class abilities while being deployed in various positions and roles under both Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp. The Red’s German manager once described Coutinho’s position from the left flank as a wing 10, which enabled him to come inside and create from more dangerous areas. However, after the arrivals of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, the Brazilian operated from the left side of a midfield three.
For much of the season, Frank Lampard has chosen to put out a 4-3-3 system, while, on the odd occasion, such as the 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge in February, has also sought to play with five defenders and a narrow forward three. In either system, Coutinho could undoubtedly flourish. Moreover, his place in the team wouldn’t be dependent upon the Chelsea head coach’s formation choice, with the Brazilian proving that he is a player capable of adjusting to either of Lampard’s favoured systems.
He Ticks All the Right Boxes
Although Hakim Ziyech’s transfer to the Bridge is already sealed, there is still reason to believe that Chelsea would benefit from a move for Coutinho, especially with the Moroccan typically operating from the right-hand side of the field. With reports suggesting that Bayern Munich, who were once favourites to retain the Bundesliga title with Space Casino football betting, prior to the suspension of the league, unwilling to make the 27-year-old's loan move a permanent transfer, the Blues could secure themselves a proven Premier League player for a reasonable fee.
Across his 152 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, the Brazilian attacker was involved in 78 goals, scoring 41 and assisting 37. Although he isn’t known for his goalscoring prowess, Coutinho’s best season in England’s top-flight saw him find the net on 13 occasions, which is only three less than Eden Hazard’s highest total for Chelsea. While the two players are very different in their approach to the game, Coutinho is the type of player with the ability and confidence required to replace a player as influential as the Belgian winger. Furthermore, the Bayern Munich loanee is also entering the peak years of his career, meaning that while Callum Hudson-Odoi develops, Lampard will have a more experienced option at his disposal.
A Move That Would Make Sense for All Parties
While nobody can hold anything against Coutinho for chasing his dream and
moving to Barcelona, there can be no doubts that it hasn’t worked out quite as
well as he, and the Spanish giants, would have liked. The Brazilian needs a
fresh start, and the Premier League could offer that to him, with Chelsea
seemingly the ideal destination for the world-class attacker.
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