Five key stats on Coutinho’s dismantling of Fulham

Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez

The time for experimentation was over for Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool last weekend as they welcomed Philippe Coutinho back into the starting line-up in their 4-0 win over Fulham.

Out went the experimental 3-5-2, and in came a rather more traditional 4-4-2 as Coutinho took up his place on the left side of the midfield with Jordan Henderson occupying the right-flank.

With Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva forming the centre midfield duo, Coutinho was given license to roam and link up with Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez up front.

Coutinho clearly carried the attacking threat in the middle of the park, as opposed to Henderson who stuck steadfastly to patrolling the right-hand side of the midfield.

The Brazilian was everywhere, pulling the strings and providing a much more natural flow to Liverpool’s game as they tore apart a very poor Fulham side.

An 83% pass completion rate, with two key passes mixed in, tells you just how much space was afforded to Coutinho as he floated across the Cottagers defence at will.

The former Inter starlet really should have come away with something to show for his performance, but Maarten Stekelenburg’s sensational save denied Coutinho what would have been a brilliant strike. The Brazilian had a staggering nine attempts, with four shots on target.

Add to that a 100% success rate from three take-ons, and you have yet another dimension to Liverpool’s play, one that will be a huge help in sustaining their fine early season form.

Better teams will expose Aly Cissokho down the left flank as Coutinho tucks inside, but with the return of Jose Enrique to the side, the left side will be much stronger for it.

With a very loose 4-4-2, almost a Brazilian 4-2-2-2, Liverpool have reverted to a shape that utilises the qualities of the players they have at their disposal.

The ‘SAS’ strike partnership can be retained whilst there are places for Coutinho and the tireless Henderson, backed up by a stable defence.

Rodgers has used the versatility of the players at his disposal to experiment with different formations with Sturridge and Suarez as the front two, but now the Northern Irishman seems to have decided to return to the set-up seen in pre-season.

Judging from the Fulham match, the Merseyside giants are already reaping the benefits of that decision. Below you can witness the stats in real time and watch every touch from Coutinho’s first start since his injury.