3 Possible ways Barcelona new manager Koeman could use Philippe Coutinho

The Dutch coach reportedly wants to see the attacking midfielder in his squad for the next season.

Philippe Coutinho's loan at Bayern Munich is officially over and he will return to Barcelona soon.

Ronald Koeman reportedly has big plans on the Brazilian next summer and wants to make him an important member of the squad.

Tribuna.com take a look at three ways the boss could use the 27-year-old in the 2020/21 season.

1. Central midfielder


Barca XI: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; De Jong, Pjanic, Coutinho; Messi, Griezmann, Dembele.

Coutinho would complement really well Frenkie de Jong and Miralem Pjanic, serving as the more attacking midfielder out of the three. Also, he was initially meant to replace Andres Iniesta in this exact position, so why not give him another chance?

2. Attacking midfielder


Barca XI: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Pjanic, Dejong; Messi, Coutinho, Dembele; Griezmann.

This would probably fit 'Phil' the best as he would be playing in his natural position. Having Leo Messi and Ousmane Dembele to his sides would allow Coutinho to take advantage of his great passing.

And finally, playing closer to attack would mean he'll be free to use his main skill — his incredible shooting.

3. Left winger


Barca XI: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Pjanic, De Jong; Dembele, Griezmann, Coutinho; Messi.

As surprising as it might sound, Coutinho showed better numbers while playing as a left winger at the Bavarians the last term. In 14 matches he played in that position, the Blaugrana loanee scored eight goals and provided four assists.

In comparison, in the 20 matches he played as an attacking midfielder, Philippe got three goals and six assists. Sure, he didn't look all that good playing as a winger in a 4-3-3 formation for Barca, but being a winger in a 4-2-3-1 formation is a bit different, as you have more options to combine.

Source: Tribuna