Chelsea are reportedly still interested in Brazilian star and former Liverpool player, Philippe Coutinho. But his qualities will create more problems than solutions for the Blues.
Chelsea are looking to hit the ground running next season. For once the club has been using its time wisely to prepare and improve its squad. Amongst the decisions ahead is the possible acquisition of former Liverpool star, Philippe Coutinho. Although the Brazilian is certainly very capable and talented, his skills will dampen the team’s dynamics and strategies. Further, his arrival will also have dire consequences on the development of certain squad members that deserve a chance at the team.
Coutinho’s qualities support an all-out attack mentality, but Chelsea need balance in the midfield. The Blues have been inconsistent this year in terms of conceding goals. While the defense is to blame for their mistakes, the midfield was also to blame. But they were all learning one game at a time. Their growth was noticeable, and their defensive development was proceeding.
However, if Coutinho comes into the team, that development will be for nothing. Coutinho will force other players to reevaluate everything they have learned as a unit.
While he focuses on attacking, other players must be more mindful of defensive duties and covering for him. This will upset any balance the team may have had. Instead of occupying certain spaces going forward and returning to defend, there will be gaps. This will allow the opposition to exploit them and force Chelsea players to work on the double.
Furthermore, the addition of Coutinho will only slow the general growth and development of many players.
Chelsea already have a packed midfield as it is. Adding another player will only complicate Frank Lampard’s job.
Assuming that all midfielders stay, which they should, Chelsea will have five players to switch around three positions.
Of these five, two of them are young talents who need and deserve regular playing time. Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have impressed everyone and have the potential to become world-class players. Mount is an attacking midfielder who works on and off the ball, and presses high to recover the ball at all times. The latter is a powerhouse who can dribble, pass and defend.
With these two playing regular football, it is hard to imagine Chelsea not controlling and winning games.
Should Chelsea acquire Coutinho, one or even both midfielders will suffer greatly. Not only will their time on the field diminish, but so will their growth within their respective areas. Meanwhile, Lampard will be forced by the board to play Coutinho despite his unsettling effects on the team.
But the problem doesn’t stop there, as one also has to think about Billy Gilmour. Gilmour has been a standout player every single time he on the pitch. So far, he seems to be an overall, well-rounded and composed midfielder. Even when facing Liverpool, Gilmour completely dominated. He passed, tackled, dominated possession and made a fool of one or two players. And he is only 18 years young.
Not giving him more minutes will be Chelsea’s biggest loss to this day, and the club has had many. With Coutinho in the picture, Gilmour’s playtime is approaches zero minutes. That will force Chelsea to loan him and thereby risk losing him forever.
Chelsea need to stay clear of Coutinho as he brings more problems than solutions. Signing him will dismantle the team’s progress and Lampard’s hard work.
Instead, Chelsea should look to buy a winger that can complement the current squad – not a player that will force the team to work around his shortfalls at all times.