Scout Reports

Can Coutinho transform Aston Villa attack and offer FPL points potential?

Aston Villa announced the surprise signing of former Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho on Friday, subject to the player receiving a work permit.

The Brazilian has joined on loan with an option to buy in the summer, in a move which reunites him with Villa manager Steven Gerrard, who was his captain at the Reds.

Not so long ago, Coutinho was one of the best players in the world, but how has he performed since his move to Barcelona, where does he fit in at Villa and what impact will he have in Fantasy Premier League (FPL)?

We’ll attempt to answer those questions in the article below.

LIVERPOOL

“His technical ability is so good. You knew that he wouldn’t lose it, you knew that he would produce something special with it, that he would always choose the right pass.” – Luis Suarez on Coutinho

In 201 games for Liverpool, Coutinho produced 54 goals and 45 assists, near enough one goal contribution every two games.

And yet his arrival in January 2013, when he was an £8.5m capture from Inter Milan, came as a surprise to many having so often flattered to deceive in Italy.

However, the Brazilian was an instant hit at Anfield, racking up three goals and seven assists in the second half of his debut season. From that point on, his influence grew, but it was the appointment of Jurgen Klopp in 2015 that saw him truly develop into one of the best playmakers in world football.

I like the position that I’m now playing. What I like most about it is that I don’t have to just stay in one place. I have the freedom to move around. The manager is comfortable with me doing it and that’s given me the confidence to go and play. I am linking up well with all of the players on the pitch. Now the players feel more comfortable and this comes from the coach. That’s something that’s reflected on the pitch and in the results.” – Coutinho discussing his role under Klopp

In his final season at Liverpool, Coutinho scored seven goals and supplied seven assists in 14 Premier League appearances, averaging 7.4 points per match in FPL, before joining Barcelona midway through the campaign.

COUTINHO’S LEAGUE CAREER STATS AT LIVERPOOL
SeasonAppsGoalsAssists
2017/181477
2016/1731138
2015/162685
2014/153555
2013/143357
2012/131337

BARCELONA / BAYERN MUNICH

Coutinho arrived at Barcelona as the third-most-expensive player in history, with the club desperate to add more quality after Neymar’s departure to Paris-Saint Germain.

In his first season, he showed plenty of promise, scoring seven goals in 18 games, but failed to build on that and spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Bayern Munich.

During his time in Germany, he won the treble of the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and UEFA Champions League, but once again, didn’t quite seem to fit, with Bayern declining to take up their option to sign him permanently in the summer of 2020.

Since returning to Barcelona, the club has mostly been in disarray under the presidency of Josep Bartomeu, whilst Coutinho has also been hampered by injury, with a knee problem ruling him out of the second half of the 2020/21 season.

Discussing why Coutinho’s spell at Barcelona hasn’t worked out, Spanish football writer Andy West said:

“It was quickly apparent – as it probably always should have been – that Coutinho was not suited to either of his expected new roles. He wanted to play further forward than Iniesta’s disciplined midfield role and more centrally than Neymar’s left-wing slot.

Instead, he preferred to roam more central areas and find space between the lines of the opposition midfield and defence. But Barca already had someone fulfilling that role and there was no way Coutinho would ever usurp Lionel Messi as the team’s main creator.

So Coutinho ended up generally getting in Messi’s way, disrupting the team’s rhythm by taking too many touches and reduced to hopeful long-range strikes with sporadic success – leading social media wits to sarcastically dub him ‘Shootinho’.”

COUTINHO’S LEAGUE CAREER STATS AT BARCELONA / BAYERN MUNICH
SeasonClubAppsGoalsAssists
2021/22Barcelona1220
2020/21Barcelona1222
2019/20Bayern Munich (loan)23810
2018/19Barcelona3452
2017/18Barcelona1877

PLAYING STYLE

Coutinho is an exceptionally talented footballer, whose ability to create and unlock defences has the potential to improve any side.

However, he also carries plenty of goal threat, as he scored 19 Premier League goals from outside of the area during his time at Liverpool, more than any other player in the division aside from Steven Gerrard.

Notably, when applying a 500-minute threshold, he ranked fourth amongst all midfielders for expected goal involvement (xGI) per 90 minutes in his last season at the club:

Midfielders ranked by xGI per 90 2017/18

Coutinho’s touch heatmap from that campaign also offers a glimpse as to how he might be best utilised at Villa.

Philippe Coutinho’s touch heatmap at Liverpool 2017/18

THE PROSPECTS – AND WHERE DOES HE FIT IN AT VILLA?

“I don’t think you get a nickname as a ‘magician’ if you’re not a special footballer” – Steven Gerrard on Philippe Coutinho

Coutinho is at his best in the middle of the park, where he is able to get on the ball and make things happen.

On the face of it, that suggests Gerrard may need to move away from his trusted 4-3-3 formation, so that he can accommodate a traditional no. 10.

However, it’s worth noting just how narrow Gerrard’s ‘wingers’ play in his current system, as you can see in Villa’s average position map from Double Gameweek 21, with Emiliano Buendia’s (£6.2m) movement captured on the right:

Aston Villa’s average position map (left) and Emiliano Buendia’s touch heatmap (right) vs Brentford in Double Gameweek 21

That suggests a starting role on the left of Villa’s front three, with the freedom to drift infield, is where Coutinho will be used under Gerrard.

Notably, that would also carry similarities to how Jack Grealish (£7.6m) was deployed, with the attack running through him.

In terms of Coutinho’s Fantasy prospects, there are naturally huge question marks over his fitness and ability to cope with the pace and intensity of the Premier League.

However, reuniting with Gerrard and returning to the league where he was at his most productive is encouraging, whilst Villa’s forthcoming fixtures – especially from Gameweeks 23 to 28 – offers him a platform to make an instant impact.

In addition, it’s also highly likely that he’ll be handed set pieces at Villa, which is another route to Fantasy points.

The Brazilian is yet to be added to the game, but if his starting price were to come in around £7.0m, given his past performances and fixtures, he clearly has the potential to come in and shake up the current midfield template.

Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins could be about to profit from his signing, too, with the prospect of two playmakers playing in behind an exciting proposition for the £7.8m priced forward.

409 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JohnnyRev7
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    "Play up Pompey,
    Pompey play up,
    Play up Pompey,
    Pompey play up!"

    1. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I will confess the total lyrics are quite complicated, but if you take the time and effort to study them you'll get there.

    2. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Why though? and who are Pompey?

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Portsmouth FC.

        1. DycheDycheBaby
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Ah ok. Play up Burnley sounds better.

          1. JohnnyRev7
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Eh? It's an original fan chant probably 60 years old.

            https://www.fanchants.com/football-songs/portsmouth-chants/play-up-pompey/

      2. Pacer.
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        You know your club imploded real bad when they've won the fa cup and had a lengthy stay in the top tier since it became the PL and a football fan doesn't even know who you are

        1. JohnnyRev7
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Indeed. But remember Kanuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! 😉

  2. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Coutinho thrives off of runners in behind. At Liverpool he had Salah / Mane but at Barca he had nobody doing that. When he went to Bayern we saw glimpses of what he was doing at Liverpool again. He’s not going to be the same because of injuries but even if he’s at 80% of what he used to be his still a world class player. The likes of Watkins / Ings / Digne will stretch the pitch for him to excel. He’s a perfect fit for the left of the front 3 with the freedom to come inside

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      On paper should be. Playing the Grealish role.

    2. Top Dog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Nice theory apart from played about 4 months with Salah, and Barca had bid for him before he arrived.

      Reality is he played in a perfect position for him inside left and was just brimming with confidence

  3. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Had a rotten past few weeks and Everton cancellation another kick in the xxxx

    If Trent out a surefire FH this week for me… maybe !

  4. BrutalLogiC
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    A. Salah to Moura?
    B. Salah to Madd?
    C. Something else?

    Ddg Guaita
    TAA Reg Cancelo Tierney Duffy
    SALAH Jota Bowen Gray Gallagher
    Ronaldo Antonio Dennis

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Anything itb?

      1. BrutalLogiC
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Sadly not a sausage, 1 FT

        1. Meechoo115
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Assuming all games on. Salah Gallagher to Kdb Lucas?

    2. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Would also look at a city mid given their fixtures - you already have 5 DGW players which is solid. I'd consider holding and benching Salah for the next couple GWs to not lose value on him - you have a solid squad for cover and can roll the FT.

      Great looking squad

  5. mdm
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Is SOU-BRE still on? Reading everywhere it will be postponed because of Sou..
    Really worried as i have 3 players in it

    1. gooberman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Ralph gave the presser today with news about some players being back. Doesn't seem it will be off.

    2. Solanke
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Reading everywhere where?

  6. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    42-8 with DCL Gray( no wait)...and Bowen Antonio Dawson to go. Might be the week Im out of LMS!?

    1. Tomsk
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Safety score only 34 at moment.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Will be close, safety score is 35 currently with autosubs.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Actually, it's less than that as 100 non qualifiers are included.
        Will ask Ragabolly to update when he gets a chance.

  7. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    DE GEA
    ALONSO. Trent. Cancelo
    Gray. Son*. Foden. Jota
    Eduoard. Antonio. Ronaldo

    Foster. Keane. Martinelli. Livra

    A. Son. Eduoard to Lucas. King/Dennis -4
    B. One of them for free
    C. Something else
    D. FH

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Ronaldo should be caps too btw

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      C.hill

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Probably this lol

      2. Hooky
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Clint?

  8. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    After everything he's done, Coutinho's biggest contribution to Liverpool has been his sale, which allowed them to sign Alisson and van Dijk. In other words: Philippe leaving was one of the best things to ever happen to this club, as harsh as it sounds.

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      This is true. Even the Torres and Sterling sales were well timed as allowed Suarez and Firmino purchases

    2. Top Dog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Agreed

  9. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    AFCON should mean so much more than “who am I losing from my FPL team?”

    https://twitter.com/thogdad/status/1480587239948275713?t=mdaqhhMQh-b-bZGYg-xQQg&s=19

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Why though?

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      True but maybe not on a Fantasy Premier League site

    3. Top Dog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Not on this site. All non-PL fixtures are just players running the injury gauntlet

      1. Do I Not Like Orange
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Indeed. I barely even care about England matches unless they're in a semi or final.

    4. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      It's very individual, some of us will follow AFCON, some likely are actively supporting a team and some don't care at all.

      For me only two teams are more important than my fantasy squad and these are Poland and West Ham United so I don't give a flying monkey about Africa's most important tournament- why should I ?

  10. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    5 flags on my team at the moment. Stonking stuff!

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      7 for me

    2. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      8 here

  11. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Flagged players: Dennis, Watkins, Foden, Alexander-Arnold, Son + Coufal whose status is unknown.

    First 4 should be fine, right?

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes.

    2. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Should be yeah

  12. richarlison2348
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Three decisions:
    a. Sell Salah or Son?
    b. Go to KDB/Maddison or Jota?
    c. Watkins to Ronaldo worth a hit?

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A. Son
      B. Jota I think
      C. Yeah

    2. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Agree with Meech. If you do Watkins > Ron, will you be able to get Salah back?

  13. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Would absolutely love a Villa win tonight. Any chance Coutinho starts??

    Gerrard running down the touch line sliding on his knees.

    I don’t even support Villa or Liverpool. Would just be beautiful.

    1. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Coutinho not even in the country yet, not sure even confirmed signing (medical was today)

  14. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    On Free Hit, who scores more in the DGW - Jota or Mount?

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Jota imo

      1. Francescoli
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        You think he’ll be as effective without Salah and Mane in the team?

        1. Meechoo115
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Yes. Considering the opposition

    2. Grand Thibauto
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Mount

  15. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Maddison, Moura or Trossard?

    1. Grand Thibauto
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Maddison if you're sure their matches are played,
      Moura if you're sure Leicester match is played

      I'd risk Moura on a non FH team, Trossard on an FH team

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

  16. Manani
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Salah & Son replacement?

    already got Jota + Bowen, thinking Lucas for 1 spot, but not sure who else to get for the other

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Maddison/Barnes/Tielemans

  17. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    The Premier League has said positive Covid-19 tests have fallen for the second successive week.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59943599

  18. Dammit_182
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Folks, with Digne coming in which Villa defender(s) are most likely to lose their places?

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Matthew Targett

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Targett

    3. Dammit_182
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks. Got Cash sitting on my bench and could do with him still getting minutes!

    4. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Just because he played for Barca does not mean quality, he is so overated in here, he is not quick, he is small and awful defending in the air and he is not tactically aware. He just looks tasty when on the ball but thats just it. And not that prolific going forward. Competion for Targett as he is injury prone.
      Junior Firpo also came from Barca..

  19. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    No Ronaldo in the squad.

    1. mdm
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Covid?

      1. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        No idea, but Rangnick said on Friday he'd play their best possible team and that's it.

  20. mixology
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I remember him during his last season at Liverpool. I owned him in FPL, or at least tried to. He'd miss a game randomly, at times I believe it was more than one in a row. I'd sell him and boom, he's back in the lineup and hauling! He had incredible returns that last season, and he never celebrated when scoring, clearly showing he didn't want to be there.

  21. ClassiX
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    FA Cup Team News
    ManU: DDG, Lindelop, Dalot, Shaw, Varane, McTominay, Fernandes(c), Fred, Greenwood, Rashford, Cavani
    Subs: Heaton, Mata, Lingard, Amad, Telles, AWB, Matic, Vand Der Beek, Elanga

    Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings(c), Targett, McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Ramsey, Buendia, Ings, Watkins
    Subs: Steer, Sinisalo, Hause, Sanson, Iroegbunam, Chukwuemeka, Philogene, El Ghazi, Archer

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers, Classix.

      Ronaldo doesn't do the cup?

  22. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Strong sides from both. If United play really, really well, maybe not a guarantee Ronaldo starts on Saturday.

    1. Dammit_182
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Sad that lingard and Donny can’t even get a cup game!

  23. Thanos
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Where is CR7 ?? 😮

    1. mdm
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Muscle injury

  24. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Ronaldo not even on bench. Could that suggest a problem?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Something is not right definitely

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Sancho and Maguire aren’t either.

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        True.

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          They aren't Ronaldo though. The man never misses a game.

          1. Qaiss
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            He did in the Carabao cup against West Ham. But considering they haven’t played a game for a week, it’s strange he’s not even on the bench.

    3. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Could be nothing, could be something …. I now expect some feverish speculation, misdirection and rumour mongering.

    4. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Probably not in his contract to have to start FA Cup games.

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        no only against Villa

    5. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Got locked in his oxygen chamber

    6. NorCal Villan
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      He’s posing for a new statue

  25. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Dalot starting over AWB - not sure if this was because AWB played badly last time or it means AWB first choice for PL games?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      My hunch is AWB got his chance and blew it. Dalot could be a bargain going forward.

      1. bench boost for every gamew…
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        My hunch is that Rangnick cries in his bed whenever he think of his defense at disposal..

  26. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    a) Son to Mount -4
    b) Play Sissoko

  27. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Strong squads for both team.
    Devils finally win tonight?

  28. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Ok that's it. I'm starting a rumour that Ronaldo is not available because he's been involved in a terrible chest waxing incident. Return date unknown.

  29. Moxon
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Ralf Rangnick confirms that Cristiano Ronaldo has been omitted from Manchester United's squad tonight due to a “minor muscle problem”.

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Is that good for DGW22 as be fresher after rest?

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Abs burned.

  30. I Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Minor muscle problem for Ronaldo if Rangnick is to be believed.