LIVERPOOL still need a Philippe Coutinho-style playmaker – despite their 25-point Prem lead and winning the Champions League without him.
That’s the view of Reds’ legend Phil Thompson, who believes Jurgen Klopp’s squad lacks a creative force to unlock packed defences.
Brazil playmaker Philippe Coutinho is now on loan from Barcelona at Bayern Munich, after struggling to hit his Liverpool heightsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Philippe Coutinho seems to have ruled out an Anfield return but Phil Thompson feels he is the type of attacking midfielder neededCredit: PA:Press Association
Deep-lying attacker Coutinho was Liverpool’s main man, even ahead of Mo Salah, when he left Anfield for Barcelona in January 2018.
But the Reds were kings of Europe last term and have destroyed the Premier League challenge of champions Manchester City and Co this season – although coronavirus could yet end the campaign early.
They are also out of all the cups, Atletico Madrid defying the Reds’ pressure and chances last Wednesday to win 3-2 at Anfield and KO the Champions league holders 4-2 on aggregate.
And ex-England centre-back Thompson told Sky Sports: “I don’t think the Philippe Coutinho one would ever come off again, to get him back, but it’s that sort of player that we actually need to unlock packed defences.”
Brazil star Coutinho, 27, has never matched his Anfield form since exiting.
But after struggling at Barca, his career has at least stabilised on loan with Bayern Munich.
Nonetheless, huge wages and a likely asking price of £110million-plus make a permanent switch to Germany unlikely.
I still think we need another striker and maybe a little bit more back-up for Andy Robertson
Phil thompson
And last month he distanced himself from any talk of a return to Liverpool.
Coutinho told Sports Illustrated: “I don’t look back. I took another path, and now I am on another journey, much like everyone else.
“I’m focused entirely – just like them – on reaching my dreams.”
But the ex-Inter Milan ace added: “Liverpool is flying, and it doesn’t surprise me.
“I am so happy for them, because I have so many friends there, former team-mates –so I’m just so happy for them.
“But that’s all.”
Meanwhile, Thompson also feels Liverpool need cover at left-back.
He said: “I still think we need another striker and maybe a little bit more back-up for Andy Robertson.
“We’re not too bad at centre-back, and I would like to think we are well blessed in midfield.”
Jurgen Klopp says celebrities opinions are pointless when asked about coronavirus
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
