Ernesto Valverde: 'Philippe Coutinho versatility a big help'

Valverde: 'Coutinho versatility a big help'
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Ernesto Valverde hails Philippe Coutinho's versatility and admits that the Brazilian's ability to play in a number of attacking positions is why Barcelona signed him.

Ernesto Valverde has admitted that Philippe Coutinho's ability to play across the frontline makes him a major asset for Barcelona.

The Brazil international has featured twice for the Catalan giants since arriving from Liverpool in a £142m deal at the start of the January transfer window.

Coutinho has impressed during the early stages of his Camp Nou career, which has so far seen him predominantly feature from the right in wins against Espanyol and Alaves, but Valverde intends to use him in an array of positions.

Asked what the 25-year-old brings to Barcelona, Valverde told reporters: "He works well in several positions. He can play at number 10 or on the left as he did at Liverpool or even the right, as in the Brazil national team.

"And in both Liverpool and in Brazil things have gone well for him. That's why we signed him - his versatility will help us."

Coutinho is in line to start Barcelona's next match - a Copa del Rey semi-final clash with Valencia on Thursday night.

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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona21183059104957
2Atletico MadridAtletico2113713292346
3Valencia21124542251740
4Real Madrid20115443192438
5Villarreal2111463224837
6Sevilla2110382729-233
7Celta Vigo219483830831
8EibarEibar218582633-729
9GironaGirona217772929028
10Getafe217772621528
11Leganes208482021-128
12Athletic Bilbao216962423127
13Real Betis2183103544-927
14Espanyol216691828-1024
15Real Sociedad2165103640-423
16Levante2131081830-1219
17AlavesAlaves2161141731-1419
18Deportivo La CorunaDeportivo2145122446-2217
19Las PalmasLas Palmas2142151650-3414
20Malaga2134141434-2013
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