Former Stoke City and Tottenham forward Garth Crooks suggests the return of Steven Gerrard may have a negative impact on Philippe Coutinho's form at Liverpool. Gerrard could return from injury to take part in the Reds' Premier League tie against Burnley on Wednesday, per Mike Whalley of ESPN FC. Coutinho has shot to prominence in Gerrard's absence—scoring terrific goals against Southampton and Manchester City—but Crooks indicates the captain's reappearance could knock Coutinho's confidence. Crooks named Coutinho in his Team of the Week and wrote the following for BBC Sport: I'm not surprised that he is growing with every game in the absence of club captain Steven Gerrard. I've been in enough dressing rooms over the years to note that senior players, however exceptional, have the ability to intimidate younger professionals. It will be fascinating to observe how Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers handles the situation between now and the end of the season. please log in to view this image Julian Finney/Getty Images Should Brendan Rodgers start Steven Gerrard upon his return to fitness? Yes No Submit Vote vote to see results Should Brendan Rodgers start Steven Gerrard upon his return to fitness? Yes 25.1% No 74.9% Total votes: 5,498 Liverpool rarely enjoy the same creative spark when Coutinho isn't in the team—whether or not Gerrard plays—due to the Brazilian's natural willingness to move forward with possession. He loves to turn quickly, spot a runner and take up smart positions around the box. As we've witnessed with both of his recent strikes, it's a bad idea to give the little wizard room to crack a shot at goal. Interestingly, Coutinho has scored twice in four appearances since Gerrard limped off during the win over Tottenham on Feb. 10, per WhoScored.com. He netted this total in 12 matches prior to the Englishman's spell on the sidelines, so Crooks may be on to something. please log in to view this image Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Coutinho was conspicuous in his absence during the second-leg Europa League defeat to Besiktas, with Brendan Rodgers underlining his importance by resting him ahead of the City match. The gamble paid off in one respect, but Sky Sports recently highlighted how massively the playmaker influences his side's fortunes: The former Inter Milan starlet appeared to drop slightly deeper at times during the City match. He was eager to collect the ball, feeding off short passes from Joe Allen, who has also enjoyed improved form without Gerrard. It's possible Gerrard's positioning in the centre—he doesn't bomb forward like he used to—has stopped Coutinho from taking greater responsibility across the pitch. Rodgers recently highlighted the player's natural confidence when on the ball, per Liverpool's official Twitter account: This is something that positively influences the rest of the team. Coutinho is able to simultaneously keep possession ticking while searching for cracks in the opposition's defence, a style that ensures Liverpool enjoy an ever-probing attacking threat. please log in to view this image Julian Finney/Getty Images Gerrard's Anfield timeline is rapidly coming to an end—he will join MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season—but he has the quality to play a key role in Liverpool's quest for Champions League football. Coutinho's heroics thrust the side to within two points of Manchester United in fourth, and with Allen gaining in confidence, there's no doubt Rodgers has a dilemma on his hands. The Northern Irishman rarely bows to reputation—as highlighted when he benched Gerrard during the side's European tie against Real Madrid earlier in the season—so he will do what's best for the club. Liverpool fans are sure to be pleased to see that, despite a historic run in the first team, new stars are beginning to show there is life after Gerrard. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=liverpool
I'm not sure intimidated is the right word to use in this instance. When Gerrard's missing the other players step up, it happened with Alonso who also played better when Gerrard was out.
If Gerrard is playing the ball comes to him out of defence, if not Coutinho is the target of a pass more often than not. This imo is why Coutinho suffers with Gerrard in the team
I feel as though this is interesting but misses the point. gerrard can't run.. simple as. if we can't run he'll stand where cutinho wants to play and be static. it robs coutinho of movement to pass to and is so easy to mark that means less space created by say sterlings runs to pull players out. I would not give gerrard one minute as a starter in the last 11 games. I would give him 20mins at end of games to wave bye to the crowds at home. Bascially if its working now... **** him. sorry but he's going. if coutinho is really playing that well all eggs go in that basket.
i dunno... i think he was but i wonder how much is recovery and how much is just delaying him coming in til the fa cup game..... I honeslty don't know but would assume he is not fit as we can't afford to have williams coming in after 10mins v city in case of injury... well saying that i suppose can would have moved up wouldn't he in that case.
I'm a bit worried about Can, sometimes he looks like a liability i.e. vs Besiktas. I'd prefer slow and steady development as opposed to piling too much on young shoulders, something that was done to Coutinho. BR comes out with 'he's the brains of the team' and his form takes a nose dive. Similarly with Sturridge's return.
I think sides are pressing him hard now rather than skertl or lovern or a sahko even. they'll go at him with the one striker to close him down. I think also sides are trying to run him not sahko and trying to get in behind him... so he's most under pressure. In fairness as a non defender he's doing ok.
Yeah. He's not a defender, and this is being drilled into opponents. Throw everything you have at a non-defender playing in a defensive role and 9/10 he'll be the weak spot. Luckily he's done well - I'd actually sleep easy at night if I were him. If being a midfielder doesn't work out, he's developed enough as a defender to make it a full-time position. I hope that doesn't happen, mind. He'd be brilliant in the Lucas role.
It's Garth Crooks so I stopped reading after the first paragraph. (Ok, it was the second). This is the man who suggests we install Hendo as skipper and who puts GJ into his team of the week. Coutinho, apart from a relative dip a few games ago when he seemed tired, has been steadily improving this season regardless of the presence of Gerrard. He's been our player of the season so far, imo.
I can definitely see some of the bigger clubs testing the waters this summer... Gerrard hinders everyone in the team, not just Coutinho.
I love Coutinho but with his new confidence he does hog the ball instead of giving it. But I love a footballer who can dribble the ball well so I'm not too fussed.
