Sorry... disagree with a lot of that. I think Coutinho has been consistently poor under two scenarios:
1) The other team plays physically rough football.
2) The other team has most of the possession.
Otherwise he does well. Coutinho is best played against lower and midtable teams who play football (as opposed to physically bully). He shouldn't start as often as possible- he needs to be used selectively in games that suit his style. Teams that have more possession or play thug-ball we shouldn't start with Coutinho.
I think Balotelli has a lot of footballing intelligence (even if he may appear to lack intelligence off the pitch at times... actually, I think he probably is smarter than he gets credit for- just impulsive and his impulsiveness overrides his intelligence at times)- he does make some clever and inspired passes at times.
Sterling - definitely get more out of him playing centrally rather than on the wing.
Disagree - Coutinho's best performances last season came against the likes of Everton and Arsenal.
Not disputing that the lad is inconsistent, but statisically, he's our most creative player and creator of clear cut chances which is what we're lacking.
This is the fundamental reason for why I think he should be playing but also, our team has seen a lot of change and it;s evident that the style of play (particularly in the final 3rd) has regressed. As soon as Coutinho comes on, he gets into the space, DEMANDS the ball, works the triangles, movement.
We need familiarity in our first team to avoid further disruptions. His best position is as the number 8 - one of the two midfielders in front of Gerrard.
Sterling should always be used as the number 10 - it's such a waste of his ability if he is restricted to the wing.