Philippe Coutinho source of Liverpool problems...?

Liverpool's start to the 2014-15 campaign hasn't exactly gone to plan so far, with the Reds suffering early season defeats to Manchester City, Aston Villa and West Ham, while even in victory performances haven't been particularly convincing.

It's a far cry from the swashbuckling, free-scoring displays of the second half of last season, where Philippe Coutinho was a key performer for the Reds from either an attacking midfield position or a deeper, more creative role at the heart of midfield. In the weekend defeat to West Ham, he was not even on the bench.

Not aware of Coutinho having a knock. Looks like he's simply been rested which isn't a great surprise considering his recent struggles.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) September 20, 2014

Coutinho’s not even on the bench. Have to say, given his lack of form and the fact we have a squad now - I’ve no qualms with that. #LFC
— Ray Wilson (@theraywilson) September 20, 2014

Philippe Coutinho rested today with Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana on the bench. Right decision?
— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) September 20, 2014

So far this season, Coutinho—like the team as a whole—hasn't managed to hit those heights again and the Reds must look to him to come out of his dip in form to lift the side and ensure results pick up quickly.

Coutinho's importance to the finest parts of Liverpool's season cannot be overstated. He was irrepressible in some of their best performances, including the 5-1 destruction of Arsenal and the home 4-0 derby victory against Everton.

A constant source of chances for himself and others, Coutinho was never shy about getting shots away—even though he was far from the most accurate with his attempts. Some 94 shots in total was an average of 2.8 per game, a total which only a dozen close-to-elite forwards in the top flight managed to better, plus midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who only spent half of last season in England.

Similarly, he racked up close to an average of two key passes per game, inside the top dozen of the league with his 64 chances laid on for others. In total it yielded seven assists alongside his five goals, but his build-up play involvement cannot always be seen in these end-product statistics.

 A slide-rule pass down the channels for another player to provide the cross for a clear chance on goal, for example, was a common theme in Coutinho's play when operating from a deeper No. 8 role in Liverpool's three-man midfield. 

Start of 2014-15

So far, the Brazilian hasn't managed to find his feet in the new season.

In part it could be down to a lowered amount of movement in front of him—no Luis Suarez, an injured Daniel Sturridge—meaning less outlets of the unpredictable nature which he was so frequently able to find last year, but it's also visible in his own game.

Running into players, poor timing or execution of passes and the same wayward shooting has meant Coutinho's final-third contribution has been well below par so far this term.

Again, it's a common theme which is visible in the other attackers compared to February-May last season, but Coutinho as the middle link player was a valuable spoke of the wheel who could turn quick transitions into dangerous attacks.

What's Needed?

Per his comments on ITV.com, manager Brendan Rodgers has no worries about his playmaker.

He's a brilliant young player, a fantastic young player, I had planned to leave him out of the game against Aston Villa because he'd had a lot of travelling in the international week, and if we didn't have so many injuries he would have been given a rest on the side and then played in the Champions League game. We couldn't afford to do that. We had to play him, but it was great for him and his experience getting back into the Brazilian squad.

I've got no qualms about him; he's a big, big talent. He has lit up the Premier League since he came to the club. He's going to have some games where he won't be at his best, but he always gives his best and that's all I ever ask of the players. The kid is a great boy who wants to do well. He's very conscious that I have absolutely no doubts about him.

Coutinho is at his best when running into space to attack, from deeper areas of the pitch to either draw defenders out—thus creating space for others to exploit—or else, if they refuse to do that, making use of the time on the ball to pick a telling through-ball.

So far, Liverpool haven't really controlled games enough or, critically, shown anywhere near enough movement in attack other than the Tottenham match to make use of Coutinho's best traits. It's a two-way street though; when he's on form and on the ball, he increases the tempo of Liverpool's play and encourages forwards to make off-the-ball runs into space, in the knowledge that he can find them in or around the penalty area.

In theory, the Middlesbrough match in the League Cup should be a game to see Coutinho afforded more space against lower-league opposition, but Boro have been impressive of late and, as always in potentially giant-killing fixtures, will no doubt work twice as hard to close Liverpool down and repress the offensive threat.

The Reds' No. 10 will have to work extremely hard to create his own space—and will need the front players to offer themselves better to help him rediscover his touch and execution in the final third. With the Merseyside derby on the horizon, Liverpool need all their key players firing quickly to get their league campaign back on track before a couple of defeats become far more costly.

Coutinho back in form can be key to the creation of up to two or three more clear chances a game for the team and, while the defence remains something of a mess, getting that danger factor back in the attack is critical to hopes of success for the current season.

Source: Bleacher Report