Phillipe Coutinho - A glorious return or an unnecessary one?

In what was set to be a quiet transfer window for Liverpool, Phillipe Coutinho has been linked to Liverpool again.

Since his move away from the club, he hasn't been able to recapture the form he once showed for the Reds.

His move to Bayern hasn't worked out either, with the Bavarians sending him home early. From that point of view, a move back to Liverpool would make sense for him.

However, from almost every other standpoint, the transfer doesn't make a great deal of sense.

Since his move, it's hard to argue the Reds haven't improved. However, this isn't only because of the acquisition of players like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker. With Coutinho in the side, Liverpool's attack was often too predictable.

With Coutinho in the side, you knew he'd try and drift infield onto his right foot from the left. However, with Sadio Mane now operating on the left side of Liverpool's attack, the fluidity of the attack has increased.

His two-footed nature, speed and ability to play across the front line allow him to interchange positions regularly.

Coutinho, on the other hand, is much less versatile in the attack.

He would also be unlikely to provide the goalscoring prowess required from a wide attacker in Liverpool's system. Only once in his career has he scored more than 10 league goals in a season. Meanwhile, Liverpool's current inside forwards scored 22 each last campaign. With his wages, keeping him as a pure bench option simply isn't feasible.

So, what about in midfield? He could theoretically slot into an attacking midfield role for the Reds. However, he doesn't fit there for Liverpool either. The Red's midfield three are based on ball retention, defensive solidity, and work rate.

One of their main jobs is also to cover for Liverpool's marauding full-backs. Phillipe Coutinho simply isn't cut out for that task.

Of course, there are times when a Phillipe Coutinho type figure is useful. With his eye for a pass and skill at shooting from range, he can often be the key to unlocking a stubborn defence. However, in this market and with this squad, he isn't the player Liverpool needs right now.