Valverde Lauds Coutinho’s Versatility

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has hailed record signing Phillipe Coutinho’s versatility, saying he sees the Brazilian playing a variety of roles for the Catalan side.

Many wondered where Coutinho, who joined from Liverpool for £142 million this month, would be deployed by Valverde.

There was a theory that he was signed as the natural heir to central midfielder Andres Iniesta, who will turn 34 this year, but that may not be the case with Barca often deploying a 4-4-2 system this season.

“What’s his ideal position? He’s a player who acquits himself well to various positions on the pitch: be it as a central midfielder or on the left or right of a frontline,” Valverde told a news conference on Wednesday.

“He’ll help us in attack and is versatile enough to play in a few different positions. At Liverpool he often played on the left, while with Brazil he’s deployed on the right. We’ve seen that it’s gone well for both of those sides.”

Coutinho could be handed his second start for his new club when they host Valencia in the King’s Cup semifinals on Thursday.

The 25-year-old’s arrival meant Gerard Deulofeu was allowed to leave the Nou Camp, joining Watford on loan for the rest of the season.

“These things happen. He had his chances to show what he can do but things didn’t go as he’d have liked,” Valverde said of the winger’s departure.

“We spoke with him and he needs minutes, especially when you consider there’s a World Cup on the horizon.”