5 La Liga players who have the most to prove this season

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BARCELONA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 16: Philippe Coutinho of FC Barcelona looks on during the during the pre-season friendly match between FC Barcelona and Girona at Estadi Johan Cruyff on September 16, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /

2. Philippe Coutinho — FC Barcelona

One could make the case that almost every single regular first-team Barcelona player has much to prove this season after its train wreck campaign from last year. But Coutinho is one that should be singled out because this is a make-or-break season in his career.

After failing to find a buyer for him, Barcelona decided to integrate Coutinho for this season. Considering that he is Barcelona’s most expensive transfer acquisition ever, the Brazilian forward is surely out to prove that his legacy with the club will not be that of being the biggest flop in Spanish football history.

The dilemma with Coutinho for this season revolves around just how new manager Ronald Koeman will use him in his new 4-2-3-1 setup. Coutinho is well familiar with this formation; he played as both a winger and central attacking midfielder for both Liverpool and Bayern Munich in this setup. As a winger, Coutinho is familiar with just what is required from him, such as with the responsibility to link up with the fullback out on the flanks to create odd-man situations. And as a central attacking midfielder, he certainly knows the duties there regarding being active in navigating the spaces behind the center-forward and recognizing on just when it is ideal to occupy other areas on the pitch.

The hope for the club is that Koeman will be able to extrapolate Coutinho’s potential in the team’s new 4-2-3-1 setup.

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