Philippe Coutinho: The Little Magician

Career

2008 – 13 – Inter Milan

2008 – 10 – Vasco da Gama (loan)

2012 – Espanyol (loan)

2013-18 – Liverpool

2018-22 – Barcelona

2019 – 20 – Bayern Munich (loan)

2022 – Aston Villa (loan)

2022 – Present – Aston Villa

2023 – 24 – Al Duhail (loan)

2024 – Present – Vasco da Gama

With Liverpool’s recent success under Jurgen Klopp's management, numerous players have been praised for their contributions to their triumphs. However, a name we tend to forget who was one of the key building blocks at the beginning of Klopp's reign was Philippe Coutinho.

Coutinho joined his boyhood club Vasco da Gama at the age of seven and due to his brilliance at the youth level, he was attracting scouts from across Europe. Inter Milan managed to sign the emerging Brazilian star at the age of sixteen in 2008, but he remained at Vasco da Gama until 2010 where he continued to develop.

When Coutinho arrived at Inter Milan he struggled for playing time in a vastly experienced squad. This led Coutinho to leave on loan to Mauricio Pottenhcino’s Espanyol to pursue more consistent game time. Coutinho then returned to the Italian giants but still could not establish a role within the squad, appearing only ten times during the 2012/13 campaign. This then led Liverpool in the 2013 January transfer window to sign Coutinho, recognising the potential and talent the young Brazilian possessed.

Facilitating the dynamic striking duo of Uruguayan star Luis Suarez and English striker Daniel Sturridge, Coutinho was able to naturally integrate himself into the Liverpool midfield. This is with the Brazilian throughout the 2013/14 season creating 2.6 chances per game, which was only eclipsed in the team by Liverpool’s forward pair. The Reds narrowly finished second this season behind Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City with Coutinho being a significant factor in their success. Nevertheless, with Luis Suarez departing after that campaign and England’s Raheem Sterling exiting the season after, it was time for Coutinho to take up the mantle.

German head coach Jurgen Klopp joined Liverpool on October 8th, 2015, and handed the keys to the Brazilian to perform at the highest level. This is exemplified in Coutinho’s 2016/17 season under the German manager as his technical ability in tight spaces, creativity and array of finishes were on full display. The midfielder netted thirteen Premier League goals and assisted seven in thirty-one games that footballing calendar. Coutinho provided more than the impressive statistics suggest as he was the focal point of the Liverpool attack, helping to implement Jurgen Klopp’s style of play imminently.

Coming off the best individual season of his career, he began to build interest from the Spanish powerhouse Barcelona. However, their initial approach was rejected by Liverpool who saw Coutinho as a crucial part of their future. Although the Brazilian was eager for the move, this did not stop him from excelling at the beginning of the 2017/18 Premier League calendar. Coutinho had thirteen goal contributions in fourteen Premier League games playing at a world-class level. In January 2018, Coutinho got his desired move to Barcelona with a transfer fee of €145 million, the third highest signing fee ever. With Brazilian compatriot Neymar leaving the club at the beginning of that campaign and an ageing Andres Iniesta, this move was deemed a match made in heaven for both parties.

Coutinho’s start to life at Barcelona began promisingly as Ernesto Valverde’s side were crowned Champions of La Liga. The Brazilian made an instant impact this season with seven goals and six assists in eighteen La Liga games, flourishing in a free-flowing attack. Nonetheless, the following season, a heap of criticism was directed towards Coutinho as people believed he got in the way of Barcelona legend Lionel Messi as the once fluid attack became very stagnant. With only seven goal contributions in thirty-four La Liga games, Barcelona would once again look to fill the void left by Brazilian winger Neymar.

To make way for newly signed French international Antoine Griezmann, Coutinho was loaned to Niko Kovac’s Bayern Munich. The Brazilian in the early stages added a spark to the Bayern Munich attack, but with the introduction of new head coach Hansi Flick, Coutinho lost his starting role due to his defence work rate not being up to the manager’s standards. The team would go on to have a very successful campaign with Coutinho impressing against his parent club Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. With two goals and an assist in an 8-2 victory where Coutinho did not enter the pitch until the 75th minute. The Brazilian had a successful stint with the German club as they went on to win the treble in the 2019/20 season.

With Coutinho being injured for a large portion of the next season, he saw his talents be replaced by an up-and-coming Spanish midfielder Pedri. This led Coutinho to join former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard on loan at Aston Villa in January 2022. The midfielder enjoyed a good spell under Gerrard’s management which meant that he would sign permanently to the club that summer. Nevertheless, there was no resurgence in his career, as the next season he would only score once in the Premier League looking well past his prime. Coutinho then for the 2023/24 season joined Al Duhail on loan and now for the 2024/25 campaign has returned to Brazil to play for his boyhood club Vasco da Gama.

Now why is Philippe Coutinho one that we shall never forget? While he faced challenging lows throughout his career, Coutinho is one of the most technically gifted players of the 2010s. His ability to affect the game from central and wide positions, utilising his incredible footballing brain to elevate the players around him, made him a key asset to teams throughout his career. As well as his infamous trademark curling shot which thrilled football fans across the world. He was also a pivotal player for the Brazil national team helping the country lift the Copa América trophy in 2019. The creativity and flair he exhibited, captivating audiences, is why Philippe Coutinho is one we shall never forget.