Philippe Coutinho PARTIES with former Liverpool teammates
Barcelona boss Valverde signed Coutinho from Liverpool in January, securing the signature of the Brazil international in a huge £142million transfer.
Many expected the playmaker to give the Catalan giants’ attack another dimension but, so far, he is yet to make a big impact over at the Nou Camp.
Catalan outlet Sport say Valverde is struggling with the under-performing Barcelona star, and is torn ahead of this weekend’s showdown with Levante.
Because, while Coutinho is enduring a difficult season in his first full campaign since joining from Liverpool, Ousmane Dembele is beginning to thrive.
The France international has angered the club with his conduct behind the scenes.
However, on the pitch, the World Cup winner is beginning to kick on.
Dembele impressed in midweek as Barcelona drew 1-1 with Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The player has played seven league games so far, scoring four goals and registering three assists.
Barcelona news: Ernesto Valverde has struggled to unlock Philippe Coutinho's potential (Image: GETTY)
Barcelona news: Philippe Coutinho signed from Liverpool back in January (Image: GETTY)
Coutinho, though, has just one assist to show for his La Liga efforts so far.
Sport say Valverde is struggling to find a position for Coutinho ever since his move from Liverpool.
The Barcelona boss is reportedly reluctant to field the 26-year-old in a deeper role.
And that is because of the form of both Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic.
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