Barcelona star forward Philippe Coutinho has been linked with a move to Chelsea as a potential replacement for Eden Hazard, it has been claimed.
The Belgian skipper has been tipped to make a move to Real Madrid, and would leave a big hole in Chelsea’s squad.
According to the Independent, Chelsea are monitoring Coutinho’s situation at Barcelona as the Brazilian hasn’t hit his strides at Camp Nou yet.
The former Liverpool midfielder hasn’t been able to impress in the tactical set-up under Ernesto Valverde.
Though Coutinho has not been able to break into the Barcelona first-team on a regular basis, he is still one of the best in Europe in terms of his ability.
The Brazilian’s sublime skills and ability to score goals from midfield are his greatest assets, and he could be a perfect addition to the Chelsea squad as he isn’t too different to Hazard in terms of his style.
In the Liverpool set-up, Coutinho was used in a slightly deeper midfield role and not on the wing, like Hazard.
Though the left-wing isn’t perhaps the best position for him, he can be deployed as an attacking midfielder, with the duo of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho sitting behind him.
Coutinho’s ability to split open a defence and close link-up play with technically good forwards would help the club implement Sarri-ball much more efficiently.
The left-wing isn’t his strongest position, but Coutinho can be deployed there as well. But considering Sarri’s team need a strong midfield to recycle the ball, he would be a much better addition in midfield.
During his time at Liverpool, Coutinho managed a decent return of goals from the midfield and his combination with quick wingers is something that usually gets the best out of him.
The 2016/17 season saw him scored 13 goals, and that’s not a bad return from midfield at all.
Still only 26, he would be a good long-term addition to Chelsea and return to a league that he’s more familiar with and has succeeded at in the past.
Chelsea might get good money for Hazard so the smart thing would be to invest it in Coutinho who is a proven player in the English top-flight.
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