Coutinho’s influence growing at Barca

Philippe Coutinho put in another fine display for Barcelona against Villarreal on Wednesday night at the Camp Nou.

The Brazilian sent Barcelona on their way with the first goal and his sixth since joining the club from Liverpool in January.

The stats show how he’s becoming a growing influence on the team.

9 - Philippe Coutinho has been directly involved in nine goals in his last 10 games for Barcelona in all competitions (four goals and five assists). Acclimated. pic.twitter.com/RsFEjtZvoc

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 9, 2018

Coutinho did not have a dramatic impact when he first arrived, which is pretty normal for January signings, but led to some suggestions he’s not lived up to expectations.

The fact that Liverpool have thrived without him and could win the Champions League this season has simply added fuel to that suspicion, although it’s entirely possible they could also finish the season empty-handed and out of the top four.

Coutinho has simply got on with it and has more goals in 2018 than both Isco and David Silva. There’s still a sense that Coutinho is still adjusting to life at Barcelona, but the signs suggest he could light up the Camp Nou next season.