That night he had been handed the Liverpool captaincy for the first time in a competitive fixture by Jürgen Klopp. Coutinho’s importance to Liverpool has grown while the joy he once displayed in their colours has faded. The real concern lies with Liverpool and what “the magician’s” vanishing act represents for Klopp’s aims this season and beyond. Thomas Lemar of Monaco is a confirmed target for Liverpool, who were unable to agree a deal for the 22-year-old in August. The reality is that clubs have to extract maximum value when the call arrives, as Liverpool have.

Source: The Guardian January 07, 2018 16:07 UTC