Reddit user TheLeftLeftist argues that Philippe Coutinho's performances have been nothing special. While others say that the Brazilian was re-born at Bayern Munich, the Barca fan claims there's actually no sign of improvement.
"I was looking at Coutinho's stats per 90 minutes and quite surprisingly, he has the exact same xG (expected goals) and xA (expected assists) per 90 so far as in the 18/19 season. 0.32xG per 90 in both seasons and 16xA in 18/19 and .14xA this per 90. Non-penalty xG+x, A also exactly the same in both seasons at .47 per 90.
"Meaning the quality and volume of chances he gets or creates offensively per 90 minutes has improved - well, not one bit since the 18/19 season under Valverde. This is despite playing closer to goal and in his 'natural' position.
"He does have 1 goal and 2 assists in the league this season, but once you analyze them individually, I find them unimpressive overall due to the nature of those contributions.
"33 minutes in the league so far. Pedri in comparison has 6 key passes though he played only 256 minutes. I know it's early to say this and we probably can't rely on a 17-year-old for 90 minutes through the season, but based on the minutes they played - and Coutinho's experience and price - he is very disappointing. The only reason I think he has turned around the expectation of fans so much is that starting from zero expectations has helped paper over mediocre performances similar to Paulinho so a bit more work rate compared to before was enough to impress everyone.
"I didn't like Coutinho as much as everyone did since he came back and what he has provided to the team creatively. I didn't honestly expect that observation to have a statistical basis, I'm now more convinced than ever that he does not have a role in the team going forward. At least not that important of a role that a 17-year-old can't cover for him seamlessly.
"I might sound too dismissive of Coutinho, but I'm sure the nature of his goals and assists being as they are, they can be replicated by Pedri in the long run while also being far more creative, releasing the ball quickly and allowing Messi to be at his best without the ball hogging of Coutinho. Pedri's decision-making in particular despite the difference in age seems better for the team and he is more fluid in the build-up and linking up with Messi or the wingers too as I see it."
Coutinho returned from his Bayern loan and immediately became a regular starter under Ronald Koeman; So far, the Brazilian has played six games for Barca, starting in all but one. Unfortunately, Phil is down with an injury and missed the latest two matches.
