MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 05:50:26| >> :120:25385:25385:

Ernesto Valverde: 'Philippe Coutinho versatility a big help'

Valverde: 'Coutinho versatility a big help'
© Offside
Ernesto Valverde hails Philippe Coutinho's versatility and admits that the Brazilian's ability to play in a number of attacking positions is why Barcelona signed him.

Ernesto Valverde has admitted that Philippe Coutinho's ability to play across the frontline makes him a major asset for Barcelona.

The Brazil international has featured twice for the Catalan giants since arriving from Liverpool in a £142m deal at the start of the January transfer window.

Coutinho has impressed during the early stages of his Camp Nou career, which has so far seen him predominantly feature from the right in wins against Espanyol and Alaves, but Valverde intends to use him in an array of positions.

Asked what the 25-year-old brings to Barcelona, Valverde told reporters: "He works well in several positions. He can play at number 10 or on the left as he did at Liverpool or even the right, as in the Brazil national team.

"And in both Liverpool and in Brazil things have gone well for him. That's why we signed him - his versatility will help us."

Coutinho is in line to start Barcelona's next match - a Copa del Rey semi-final clash with Valencia on Thursday night.

ID:317632: cacheID:317632:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1897:
Written by
Daniel Lewis
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Gerard Deulofeu celebrates with Lionel Messi after scoring during the La Liga game between Barcelona and Malaga on October 21, 2017
Read Next:
Watford enter race for Gerard Deulofeu?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona17122350193138
2Real Madrid17114237162137
3Atletico MadridAtletico16105130111935
4Athletic Bilbao1795326151132
5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal157532725226
7Osasuna176742225-325
8Real Sociedad167361611524
9GironaGirona176472325-222
10Sevilla176471823-522
11Real BetisBetis165651820-221
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas165382227-518
15Getafe163761113-216
16AlavesAlaves164391827-915
17Leganes163671423-915
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!