Playing for 90
Fansided

Liverpool FC: Three hopes, one fear

By Sean Maslin

BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - JULY 08: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp arrives for a Pre-Season Friendly match between Tranmere Rovers and Liverpool at Prenton Park on July 8, 2016 in Birkenhead, England. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images)
BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - JULY 08: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp arrives for a Pre-Season Friendly match between Tranmere Rovers and Liverpool at Prenton Park on July 8, 2016 in Birkenhead, England. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool in action during the International Champions Cup match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on August 6, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool in action during the International Champions Cup match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on August 6, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Hope #1: That Philippe Coutinho can have quality back-to-back seasons.

Coutinho had a bit of a coming out season last year for The Reds. Although he has always been an above average passer and a fantastic first touch, the Brazilian international added a scoring stroke last season scoring 12 goals in 43 matches. Coutinho was a very important cog in their run to the Europa League finals. But it is very difficult for players to pull off quality back-to-back seasons especially when they have not done it before.

So far, so good. In Liverpool’s season opener Coutinho scored two goals in their 3-2 victory over Arsenal. While the free kick goal was certainly splendid the second goal showed how in sync that he is with his teammates right now. Passes into the box seem to be a very simple task. The truth is that hitting one’s teammate at the right time in the box is incredibly difficulty. That Coutinho timed his run perfectly is a testament to both his skills and his current form.

With Liverpool bringing in Georginio Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane it may take The Reds a bit of time to fully work as a unit. The good news is that with Coutinho hitting on all cylinders is that Liverpool might not need both of their key offseason signings just yet. Having a healthy Daniel Sturridge would also help. But it is Coutinho that stirs the drink of the Liverpool attack and it is Coutinho that will be tasked with creating scoring opportunities early on.

Next: Hope #2: That Georginio Wijnaldum can play at the top of the table in the Premier League

Home/Liverpool FC