Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde lauds Coutinho class

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has hailed record signing Phillipe Coutinho’s versatility, saying he sees the Brazilian playing a variety of roles for the Catalan side.

Many wondered where Coutinho, who joined from Liverpool for 142 million pounds ($201 million) this month, would be deployed by Valverde.

There was a theory that he was signed as the natural heir to central midfielder Andres Iniesta, who will turn 34 this year, but that may not be the case with Barca often deploying a 4-4-2 system this season.

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“What’s his ideal position? He’s a player who acquits himself well to various positions on the pitch: be it as a central midfielder or on the left or right of a frontline,” Valverde told a news conference on Wednesday.

Ernesto Valverde

Image credit: Getty Images

Coutinho could be handed his second start for his new club when they host Valencia in the King’s Cup semi-finals on Thursday.

The 25-year-old’s arrival meant Gerard Deulofeu was allowed to leave the Nou Camp, joining Watford on loan for the rest of the season.

“These things happen. He had his chances to show what he can do but things didn’t go as he’d have liked,” Valverde said of the winger’s departure.

“We spoke with him and he needs minutes, especially when you consider there’s a World Cup on the horizon.”

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