Liverpool will have to cope without star player Philippe Coutinho until mid-January
Last time out in the Premier League, Liverpool defeated Sunderland 2-0 at Anfield. The win was a fairly routine one for Jurgen Klopp’s side and kept them in touch with their title rivals.
However, the game did produce a moment that could have a major effect on the Reds campaign.
In the first half influential Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho went down and it was clear he was in trouble.
The former Inter man was substituted and it was later confirmed that he will be sidelined until the middle of January through an ankle injury.
The Reds travel to Bournemouth on Sunday looking to continue their surge without the influential star in a game Klopp’s side are odds of 8/11 to win.
Liverpool still has good attacking options
Liverpool are certainly not a one-man team that is for sure. The Reds have been absolutely fantastic going forward this season. Jurgen Klopp’s ideas are definitely getting through to his players and that has shown in the team’s performances, especially their sparkling attacking play.
Through the likes of Coutinho, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana, the Reds have been prolific in front of goal. Coutinho may be the lynchpin in the team’s attacking play. However, the rest of the team have contributed majorly to the Reds 32 league goals this season.
Klopp has talked about Liverpool being able to cope without their star man. The German may have a point because the likes of Firmino, Lallana and Mane will still be a major attacking threat to the Reds opposition in the near future.
A chance for Divock Origi
Liverpool’s Belgian international striker Divock Origi burst onto the scene at the 2014 World Cup with the Red Devils. At every big international tournament, there is a player who majorly impresses and earns themselves a big move.
In 2014 Origi was one of them. The youngster attracted admiring glances from a number of Europe’s top teams. However, it was Liverpool who secured his signature by paying French Ligue One club Lille £10million.
Since his move, he has been in and out of the Reds starting line-up. At times he has shown flashes of his ability in front of goal, but not on a consistent basis. Origi was Coutinho’s replacement on Saturday and opened the scoring on 75 minutes.
The Belgian is now likely to be given an extended run in the team up front, with Brazilian Roberto Firmino likely moving into Coutinho’s usual attacking midfield position. It will be his big chance to shine and earned more regular first team football at Anfield.
The 21-year-old gives the Reds attack a different dimension. The Belgian is strong in the air and provides more of an aerial threat than Firmino maybe. Not that Klopp would ever want his team to go direct, but on set-pieces, he presents an extra threat.
No doubt Liverpool’s style of play will not stray too far from the Klopp manual of football. However, without Coutinho, there will probably be a slight change in the way the Reds play.
Crucial month for Liverpool’s title challenge
The next month could be crucial in Liverpool’s charge for the Premier League title. Most teams will lose some of their momentum when they are without a key player. They are a key player for a reason because they have such a big influence on their team.
Philippe Coutinho has played a big part in Liverpool’s season so far this season. The next couple of weeks could prove whether Jurgen Klopp’s side are the real deal in the title race.
Liverpool have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Premier League this season. Even without Coutinho, Liverpool have enough talent and quality to keep winning their games. Then their Brazilian magician can aid their title bid on his return in January.
Will Liverpool’s title challenge flounder without Coutinho?
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