Phillipe Coutinho Slammed Over Performances Since Liverpool Exit

 

Philippe Coutinho must improve his performances at Barcelona.

That is the verdict of Spanish football expert Terry Gibson.

Coutinho finally got his wish in January, securing a £142m move to the La Liga giants.

The former Liverpool man then had to wait for his Barcelona debut after suffering a thigh injury before the transfer.

But since forcing his way into Ernesto Valverde's first-team, Coutinho has seemingly under-delivered in Spain.

"I must admit I am hoping, and expecting, to see more from Coutinho, to be honest," Gibson said on Sky Sports' LaLiga podcast.

"I know there is a settling in period, but he's come in as the finished article, whereas Ousmane Dembele is the younger player, with less games under his belt.

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"Coutinho has come in as the finished article."

Lionel Messi came off the bench to rescue Barca with a goal and an assist intheir 2-2 draw with Sevilla on Saturday evening.

And Gibson believes Coutinho should be ensuring the standard of the Catalan outfit doesn't drop too much when the Argentinian is absent.

"Watching him at the weekend, it was clear how much difference there was in the Barca side when Lionel Messi came on," he continued.

"I know it's not fair to judge Coutinho against Messi, but he didn't contribute tothe cause.

"As the game went on, he was more prepared to make the easy pass, where it needed more. It needed him to drive at defenders, and get shots in on goal, create chances.

"But he was doing the opposite, he was getting the ball and laying it off, and even getting caught in possession."