Ernesto Valverde said on Wednesday that the club’s record signing Philippe Coutinho is a “versatile” player who can help in various positions in attack. Coutinho came on for Iniesta on his debut, playing as the left attacking midfielder against Espanyol, but made his first start against Alaves on the right.
“Coutinho’s a player that does well in several positions. He’ can play as a playmaker, to the left like at Liverpool or to the right like for Brazil (…) And with both Liverpool and Brazil he has done well.
“That’s why we have signed him. He can help us in attack. He is versatile and can play in various positions.