Phillipe Coutinho is having a good start to 2019. He has played in the last four Barcelona games, helping the team progress in the Copa del Rey and maintain a comfortable five-point lead at the top of La Liga. The Brazilian player has contributed with goals as well. With Ousmane Dembele out injured for at least two weeks, Ernesto Valverde is likely to rely more on Coutinho, seeing it as a significant opportunity for him.
However, despite these positive aspects, there is a noticeable change in Coutinho’s demeanor. A year after his expensive transfer to Barca, his body language tells a different story. It seems like he has lost some enthusiasm, akin to someone who has had a bad experience. His reactions, or lack thereof, when his teammates score indicate a hint of disinterest and disappointment.
Coutinho’s arrival last January was marked by a positive outlook, but now his expression seems less cheerful. This shift was evident during the recent game against Leganes when Carles Alena, a young talent from Barcelona’s academy, outperformed him. The crowd at Camp Nou expressed their discontent, questioning Valverde’s decisions. The fans are eager to see their emerging stars shine, and Alena’s impressive performance only amplified Coutinho’s struggles.
