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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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3Barcelona22143560243645
4Athletic Bilbao22118333201341
5Villarreal22107544331137
6Rayo Vallecano228862624232
7GironaGirona229493130131
8Osasuna227962731-430
9Mallorca2293101928-930
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11Real Sociedad2284101819-128
12Sevilla227782430-628
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14Getafe225981717024
15Las PalmasLas Palmas2265112736-923
16Leganes225891930-1123
17Espanyol2265112133-1223
18AlavesAlaves2256112534-921
19Valencia2247112237-1519
20Real ValladolidValladolid2243151547-3215


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