What could Philipe Coutinho offer Arsenal?

Philippe Coutinho

What could Philipe Coutinho offer Arsenal?

By Jack Lacey-Hatton

There are few players Arsenal could sign from overseas in January that boast not only a high-level of quality but strong Premier League experience. 

But ex-Liverpool attacking midfielder, Philippe Coutinho is set to leave Spanish giants Barcelona and the club have, according to newspaper reports, opened talks to bring him back to English football. 

The Brazilian could make a huge difference, with many fans already suggesting his signing could propel the team to a top-four finish. 

If signed, Coutinho, would certainly raise expectations off the pitch. But what will he actually offer to manager Mikel Arteta and how much would he improve the first team? 


Creativity 


The passing range and vision of the 29-year-old was previously highly regarded.

In his often sensational spell at Liverpool, he was a constant creative force for the Reds, with much of the team’s attacking play going through him.

When on-form he was capable of turning a game with just one pass. Jurgen Klopp has taken his team in a different direction since Coutinho moved to Spain, for the better, but his influence on that team shouldn’t be forgotten. 

He has always had the knack of being able to create a chance out of virtually nothing. At the elite level of the game this is essentially gold dust to managers. 

Although the playmaker has struggled to produce his best on a consistent basis ever since arriving at Camp Nou, he has never lost the ability to turn a game in an instant. 

Philippe Coutinho

Another option


The biggest plus-point of signing the Brazilian may actually be the direct impact this has on another player at the Emirates. 

Emile Smith Rowe’s stunning rise in 2021 has seen him become one of Arsenal’s main creative forces.

However, the young number 10 is still only 21-years-old, with a lot of football in front of him. To be the ‘main man’ at this early stage in his career is a tough ask. 

Coutinho could share some of that creative workload. 

Arteta can’t afford to risk Smith Rowe’s future by placing too much responsibility on such young shoulders, which potentially could lead to burn-out at a later stage.

He could also benefit from the increased competition and, if the two are fielded together, playing alongside someone of Coutinho’s experience will only aid his development.


Goals


For an attacking midfielder Coutinho’s goals record while in England remains relatively impressive. In 152 Premier League games for Liverpool, the Brazilian magician scored 41 goals with 37 assists.

The fast, physical nature of the league didn’t faze him and he actually produced his career-best form while at Anfield. His record dipped slightly at Barcelona, but even in leaner times he still managed to score 17 in 76 games.

In his season on-loan at Bayern Munich, Coutinho returned eight goals in just 23 league games as he found some of the spark that had deserted him in La Liga.

In short, when played in a system that suits him, he is a playmaker who always has a goal in him. Few teams in the Premier League have that outside of Manchester City with Kevin De Bruyne.

If Arsenal manage to get him anywhere close to the player we saw at Liverpool, he is worth a sizeable fee, albeit perhaps not the £105million the Catalan giants spent on him in 2018.

Mikel Arteta


Verdict


A loan-deal maybe the more realistic option but Coutinho could have lots to offer the Gunners as the chase for the Champions League hots up.

Arteta, Edu and the club, could do a lot worse than bring the Brazilian back to the division where he played his best football.

He may even be the difference between a top-four finish and the Europa League.

Photo Credits: Getty Images

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