Fc Liverpool Blog

Former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho could be key to Brazil’s chances of winning the FIFA World Cup 2018, especially with questions about Neymar’s fitness. The ace forward suffered a broken metatarsal and must race against time to be fit for the start of the tournament.

But, even if he does make Brazil’s match day team for their first game against Switzerland, how ready will he be? The South American greats’ fortunes could, therefore, lie in Barcelona’s playmaker Coutinho, whose presence in Tite’s line-up adds an element of finesse to Brazil’s newly found steel.

With Neymar fit, Coutinho will help form a formidable frontline that’ll include Man City’s Jesus and Chelsea star Willian. It’s an attack that has seen bookmakers make the South Americans favourites to lift the trophy. Even with doubts over Neymar’s fitness, something alleviated by the news that he’s making excellent progress in his comeback, pre-tournament World Cup betting has many fans backing Brazil.

But Coutinho’s role is also important in how it takes the heat off Neymar. The expectation on the Paris St. Germain striker is immense. But, with Coutinho in the starting 11, particularly through his prowess in between the lines and ability to create chances out of nothing, both players will feel an added sense of freedom without the burden of having to take all the responsibility.

Improved under Tite, who took over from previous head coach Dunga, Brazil not only survived a tough South American qualification group but won it in style, recording 12 wins along the way. They only lost one game during qualification despite the group featuring Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Chile (who failed to qualify).

Importantly, Tite has brought solidarity to the team that needed a change in mindset and approach, highlighted by a devastating defeat at the hands of Germany four years ago. The 2018 Brazil is one that balances crowd-pleasing style with genuine guile through the likes of Fernandinho, Miranda and Marquinhos. They complement the playmaking qualities of Coutinho and co.

Some will say Brazil can’t win a World Cup on European soil. Indeed, they haven’t done so since their 1958 triumph. But they have European pedigree in their squad. Coutinho enjoyed a successful time at Liverpool before joining Spanish champions Barcelona. Neymar has been wowing the French fans at Paris St. German after many successful years in Spain, and goalkeeper Ederson has just won the Premier League alongside Brazil teammate Fernandinho at Man City.

Neymar will likely be fit for Brazil at FIFA World Cup 2018 (and he’ll probably be the team’s star man). But, unlike in the past, Brazil is more than just a team of individual geniuses and under new head coach Tite, the fortunes of the South Americans have been founded upon galvanising individual strengths to produce a tactical whole.

Now, the style, finesse and pace of its frontline is supported by toughness through the middle and players willing to put in the hard yards both in attack and in defence. Coutinho’s presence is an important piece of the equation and, if anyone other than Neymar grabs the headlines, it’ll almost certainly be the former Liverpool man.