The Catalans stretched their unbeaten La Liga run to 39 games as Luis Suarez and Samuel Umtiti gave them a 2-0 lead, with Philippe Coutinho setting up both goals.
Valencia did hit back with a late penalty from Dani Parejo but the hosts were able to seal the three points.
Here, we analyse Coutinho’s performance.
STATISTICS
Goals – 0
Assists – 2
Shots – 1
Shots on target – 0
Touches – 72
Passes – 52
Key passes – 2
Pass accuracy– 81%
Interceptions – 2
Dribbles – 3
30-SECOND REPORT
With Andres Iniesta also afforded a start, Coutinho began on the left side in Barca’s 4-4-2 system. He played his part exceptionally as his positioning and link-up play created some of Barcelona’s best moments.
The Brazilian drifted inside to great effect and unlocked Valencia’s defence with a trademark through ball for Suarez to run onto before his corner kick saw Umtiti make it 2-1 to the home team. His performance earned him a deserved standing ovation from the Camp Nou as he was replaced in the 78th minute.
Philippe Coutinho (L) drives forward.
GOT RIGHT
Final ball – Even at Liverpool the Brazilian was renowned the quality of his killer pass and that’s what it took to break the deadlock against an impressive Valencia side. His excellent delivery from a corner kick went on to double the hosts’ advantage.
Positioning – What makes Barcelona’s 4-4-2 formation work is the fluidity it gains from the interchangeable nature of their players and that isn’t lost on Coutinho. He offered width on the right when he had to but drifted inside on occasion to allow Sergi Roberto to go forward. When Messi peeled off, he was quick to join Suarez up front.
GOT WRONG
Passing – While he played some passes in the final third, he also tried to force the issue a few times too many and that saw him occasionally give the ball away cheaply. His tally of 52 passes was considerably less than both full-backs Jordi Alba (70) and Sergi Roberto (68) even if he came off 12 minutes before full-time.
Shooting – How often did Coutinho register just one shot in games at Liverpool? This season in the Premier League, he averaged nearly four per game before his move. While his adherence to Barca’s system is encouraging, he had opportunities to pull the trigger against Valencia and shouldn’t be compromising on one of his finest attributes.
KEY MOMENTS
15th minute ASSIST – Coutinho receives possession outside the box and quickly spots Suarez’s run in behind. Without missing a beat, he slips a perfectly weighted through ball into the striker’s path who finishes at the near post.
51st minute ASSIST – From a corner kick, Coutinho’s dangerous delivery is met by Umtiti. Neto gets his hands to the Frenchman’s header but can’t keep it out.
Philippe Coutinho (L) made the difference for Barcelona.
VERDICT
After missing Barcelona’s disappointing Champions League elimination to Roma, Coutinho provided against Valencia much of what was lacking for the Catalans in midweek.
Apart from his assists, he brought plenty of fluidity to the team with his movement. His ability to carry the ball forward into dangerous areas also had the visitors back-tracking.
RATING: 7/10
All statistics are compiled using whoscored.com
