Liverpool may have just unearthed their new Philippe Coutinho during win over Real Madrid - opinion
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Philippe Coutinho was one of Liverpool’s best players of the modern era.The Reds have not always been the team they are now with superstars in every position, as in the past they only had a few dotted throughout.One of the best in recent Premier League history for them was Coutinho, with the Brazilian a truly dazzling talent who set English football alight.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Since selling him for £142m in 2018, Liverpool have not quite had a similar player, mainly as there are not too many like him.However, they might now have found the man to take on that role, with Liverpool win against Real Madrid proving just that.Photo by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesFlorian Wirtz can be the new Philippe CoutinhoWhen Coutinho first arrived, he was a cross between a number 10 and a winger, although he mainly operated centrally throughout his career.This is where a lot of his best play came from, but he was also still a threat from the left, meaning he was a great option to have.Sound familiar?
Florian Wirtz fits exactly into this category as he made a name for himself as an attacking midfielder, with this being where he was expected to play since arriving.However, due to many reasons, Arne Slot moved him out to the left against Madrid, and it may have just proven to be his best position.Like Coutinho used to do, Wirtz could carry the ball forward and glide past players effortlessly, with this his best game in a Liverpool shirt to date.READ MORE: Danny Murphy makes big claim about Dominik Szoboszlai after Liverpool beat Real Madrid, and he’s spot onHe has more freedom out wide and has the work rate to match, suggesting this is where he will get most of his chances going forwards.Florian Wirtz’s versatility will come in handyWhen he adapts a little more and fully understands the way the Premier League works, Wirtz will be able to play as the number 10 again, but for now, playing on the wing might be best.This is beneficial, though, as someone like Dominik Szoboszlai can play a full 90 minutes probably twice a week knowing him, whereas someone like Cody Gakpo cannot.So, having more options to choose from out wide will only benefit Slot, with Wirtz then also able to get more minutes on the pitch.Coutinho played this role nicely and now it might be time for Wirtz to give it a go, and if it works out, then his ceiling will truly be scary.