The upcoming fixture list looks fairly good for Liverpool starting with Swansea (H) this weekend, then Wigan (A), Spurs (H), Southampton (A), Aston Villa (A) and West Ham (H). BR will be targeting maximum points from all these games, a target that the Reds will have to achieve if they are to turn their European qualification dreams into a reality.
The problem is that Liverpool have an over-reliance on Luis Suarez, who fortunately for the Anfield faithful has far exceeded expectations thus far with some fantastic performances and a very healthy goal return. If you put the little Uruguayan to one side, however, the team is very short on flair players, the kind of player who can make a difference when it counts and give the supporters something to cheer about.
With Steven Gerrard often playing a deeper role earlier in the season, Brendan Rodgers recognised that the Reds lack a way of bridging the gap between midfield and attack, a point that has been emphasized by Suarez having to play as a lone striker for the last few months. He has tried playing Jonjo Shelvey in a number 10 role operating behind Suarez, but that idea hasn't really born fruit.
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| Liverpool's new number 10 |
Liverpool's new Brazilian midfielder just might be the missing link that the Reds need to spur them on to a period of positive results, coming off the back of some indifferent performances from the team.
Having already invested in a new striker during the transfer window, with the signing of the excellent Daniel Sturridge - who is already well on his way to becoming a fan favourite after a series of goals - BR looked abroad and got his man with the promising Coutinho, who has already been capped by Brazil.
Signed on 30th January 2013, having finally secured a work permit, Philippe Coutinho arrived at Anfield from Inter with probably very little idea of the weight that would shortly be placed upon his young shoulders.
