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Ernesto Valverde: 'Philippe Coutinho versatility a big help'

Valverde: 'Coutinho versatility a big help'
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Ernesto Valverde hails Philippe Coutinho's versatility and admits that the Brazilian's ability to play in a number of attacking positions is why Barcelona signed him.

Ernesto Valverde has admitted that Philippe Coutinho's ability to play across the frontline makes him a major asset for Barcelona.

The Brazil international has featured twice for the Catalan giants since arriving from Liverpool in a £142m deal at the start of the January transfer window.

Coutinho has impressed during the early stages of his Camp Nou career, which has so far seen him predominantly feature from the right in wins against Espanyol and Alaves, but Valverde intends to use him in an array of positions.

Asked what the 25-year-old brings to Barcelona, Valverde told reporters: "He works well in several positions. He can play at number 10 or on the left as he did at Liverpool or even the right, as in the Brazil national team.

"And in both Liverpool and in Brazil things have gone well for him. That's why we signed him - his versatility will help us."

Coutinho is in line to start Barcelona's next match - a Copa del Rey semi-final clash with Valencia on Thursday night.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico19135134122244
2Real Madrid19134243192443
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal198653431330
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad198471713428
8GironaGirona198472725228
9Rayo Vallecano196762222025
10Real BetisBetis196762123-225
11Osasuna196762328-525
12Celta Vigo197392830-224
13Sevilla196582128-723
14Las PalmasLas Palmas196492429-522
15Getafe194781316-319
16Leganes194781829-1119
17AlavesAlaves1945102131-1017
18Espanyol1944111731-1416
19Real ValladolidValladolid1943121337-2415
20Valencia1927101829-1113


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