'Why Messi & Coutinho Couldn't Play Together'
14 May, 2020
Brazil superstar Philippe Coutinho's problems at Spanish giants FC Barcelona possess once again been related to the club's leading goalscorer, Lionel Messi.
The former Liverpool man struggled to stay in Spain during his first full season, and subsequently left the Catalans to become listed on Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich on loan prior to the 2019/20 campaign.
Barca legend Rivaldo recently suggested that Coutinho had problems playing in Messi's shadow, sentiments that contain now been echoed by Frank de Boer, who has explained that the Selecao international's purpose at Barca is too similar to the Argentine's.
"I believe Coutinho was a player where everything (went through) him, every ball went to him at Liverpool," the Dutchman said, according to Barca Blaugranes.
"He could probably carry out less job, basically what Messi will with Barcelona. If one isn't carrying it out, it's fine probably, they can handle that, but whether it's two identical types of players, that they also prefer every ball and have that special job in the team, then you see how vulnerable a workforce can be.
"I believe we saw that with Barcelona. There's only one that can do that now and that's Messi.
"I think Coutinho is an unbelievable player but sometimes he doesn't fit the puzzle, and perhaps with another club it'll go perfectly well.
"It doesn't mean he's a good bad player. It generally does not mean that you aren't a great player when you can't play for Barcelona - no."
Coutinho is expected to go back to the Blaugrana towards the end of his mortgage spell, but has been tipped to leave the LaLiga leaders permanently within the next window.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za