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

    Son to Bruno(c)
    or
    Watkins to Ronaldo(c)

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

      Poor top post...

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

      See how Watkins does tonight.

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

      Bruno. Ronaldo muscle injury

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

      The first one because you're selling injured player.

    5. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A at this stage, wouldn't be surprised if CR7 plays only one game

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

        Maybe cap Dennis?

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

      Son > Bruno

      At least I'm leaning that way. But I would captain Kane.

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

    Ronaldo confirmed out by manager with a mild injury. Nothing serious.

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

      Cheers

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

      Code for .
      Ronaldo has no faith in my management and won't play .

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        No, actually it's the opposite. Ronaldo is amongst the few willing to go to war with Ragnick, but has already warned that without CL football next season, he's leaving.

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

          That would be a huge blessing for United.

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

            Agree

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

      Still thinking of getting him DGW22

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

      Pace of the Prem catching up with him

  3. Paul Psychic Octopus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    No Jones?

    There's gratitude for you.

    1. tommo1989
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Minor problem with calf. Hardly surprising when he hasn’t played for 2 years.

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

    Rangnick: "I spoke with Cristiano yesterday before training, he told me that he had some problems for the last couple of days, some minor problems. In the end we decided to not take any risks in a cup game that could easily last 120 minutes." MUTV

  5. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Dalot back to XI? Start him if he plays well today?

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

    Van de Beek should hand in a transfer request and restart his career somewhere else. He's simply too good for this crap. Waiting for summer transfer window means he literally wasted 2 years to jog around Carrington.

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      You could sign him Mikel

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

      Cheeky bid from us?

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

      if he were too good then why there has been no offers for him?

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I think a good few clubs wanted him in the summer but were rebuffed by MU. Everton were leading thar race until they decided he was "in their plans" for the season IIRC

    4. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      He’s not though. He’s lazy and that’s why he doesn’t play.

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

        Not true! Guess you have never actually seen him play except for those cameo’s at MU. I’ve watched him weekly in the stadium for years, and if there’s something he’s not, it’s lazy.

  7. Game of Throw_ins
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Which has higher score probability in GW22?
    A) Cancelo + Bernardo (no hits)
    B) Mount + Maddison (-8)

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

      How many games will Leicester play?

      1. Game of Throw_ins
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Assuming (hoping) both the games to go through!

    2. Scrumper
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A is a far more sensible move

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

      Stick with A - Cancelo a season keeper and who knows if all DGW fixtures go thru

    4. Not again Shirley
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Don’t like Chelsea fixtures so wouldn’t opt for Mount.

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

    Cout is not in the squad

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

      Not registered yet is he?

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Only arrived tomorrow in the UK from France. Starts training immediately and may make debut the weekend.

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

    Are people now thinking kane over ronaldo? Or are both Maddison & Bruno better picks than Kane & ronaldo?

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

      Considering Bruno

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

        Yeh although he is also risky

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

          They are all risky

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

            Very v true although Maddison has form and plays

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

      No point thinking until Thursday/Friday

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

    David De Gea
    Victor Lindelof
    Marcus Rashford
    Mason Greenwood
    Fred
    Bruno Fernandes
    Raphael Varane
    Diogo Dalot
    Edinson Cavani
    Luke Shaw
    Scott Mctominay

    Emilano Martinez
    Matty Cash
    Ezri Konsa
    Tyrone Mings
    Douglas Luiz
    Matt Targett
    Jacob Ramsey
    Emiliano Buendia
    Danny Ings
    Ollie Watkins
    John McGinn

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

      Substitute players

      Tom Heaton
      Alex Telles
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka
      Amad Traore
      Jesse Lingard
      Juan Mata
      Nemanja Matic
      Donny Van De Beek
      Anthony Elanga

      Jed Steer
      Viljami Sinisalo
      Kortney Hause
      Morgan Sanson
      Tim Iroegbunam
      Jaden Philogene-Bidace
      Anwar El Ghazi
      Cameron Archer
      Carney Chukwuemeka

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

        Confirmed line-up from Live Score

          1. My heart goes Salalalalah
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            😆

          2. Paqueta Rice
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Subtle 😆

  11. MagicMessi
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Son / Calvert. >>>. Jota/ Ronaldo ? (-8)

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

      Too much Portugal if one is injured.

  12. Robbiej492
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Is the free chip still working not used one yet so do I still have two or was that just GW20?

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      You have two but can’t use back to back

  13. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    The Ashley Young Derby

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Big Ron Derby

  14. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Is Ramsey likely to lose his place in the team with the Coutinho signing?

  15. jam
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Just the 7 yellow/orange flags now then. How's everyone else's Fantasy A&E team doing?

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

      7

    2. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      4 for now, but I’d imagine Ronaldo flag is imminent

      1. jam
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        4 is great! Ronaldo would make it 8 for me...

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

    Ragnick changing to 4-2-3-1 makes Bruno interesting again. Son to Bruno to Salah might be my moves.

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

      Until Ronaldo is back again

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

      Yeah Ronny has a clause to shaft the team in PL.

  17. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Mc Fred!!

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

    Son --> McTominay done..

  19. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    McFred the legendary combination

  20. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Never has there never been Scotsman at the heart of United's success

  21. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    No Ronaldo and Man Utd playing well again. Coincidence?

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Lazy analysis

  22. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Can’t stand off a player like that…

  23. Gameweek 22 preview video with Andy_Social
    Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Hey FFS crew,

    Recorded a video with Andy_Social, long time poster on these boards and his first foray into content creation.

    I'm sure he'd love it if you had a watch!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URn2daNAUPQ

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Well done Andy. Will give it a watch.

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

        Cheers Milk. It's 3.30 am here in Cambodia and they're not showing United-Villa on the telly, so I'm gonna crash. I'll be around tomorrow if anyone has a question.

        1. Paqueta Rice
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Your up late/early! Have a nice rest

  24. EffPeeEll
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Doubtful now that Ronnie will play both DGWs ?

    I don't want to have to consider him to be honest but his ownership as captain could be significant.

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

    Ashby is back playing U23s tonight, so maybe WHU's COVID cases are now resolved. Leeds getting run in circles too.

  26. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Lindleof oh dear

  27. SINGH
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    How Villa not 1 or 2 goals up?

    On a separate note any good crypto bots to recommend?

    1. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Watkins.

  28. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Dalot coming off. Looks like he's got a bit of a gash.

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

      Might be okay for now actually? Not sure.

    2. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      And on top of that, I think he might be injured

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

        Hey Now!!!

  29. Grande Tubarão
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    AWB nailed? Will anyone NOT own him?

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

      TC material with his crossing ability.

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

      Certainly not nailed given with Dalot

  30. Free Hat
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Same old utd at the back.

    Every team looks like scoring 1 or 2 at the moment vs utd.

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      First 15-20 they were decent. Villa been the much better side last 15-20mins

    2. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Apparently it's Ronaldo's fault.