Neymar’s replacement or in the Iniesta role? how will Barcelona use Coutinho?

Another alternative for Valverde is to stick with 4-4-2 and utilise both Coutinho and Dembele as wingers, something he has tried with other wide players already this season, with Suarez further forward and Messi dropping deep to link between midfield and attack.

"We will see if he comes or not," Valverde said on Wednesday when asked about Coutinho ahead of his side's Copa del Rey clash against Celta Vigo. "He is a great player. We respect Liverpool and we respect the player."

That was a suitably diplomatic response from the Barca boss, but it was likely that the 53-year-old already knew he will arrive and also how he will fit in at the Catalan club. And wherever he is used, Coutinho will make this team stronger for the remainder of this season and also in the years to come.

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