Valverde still searching for a rightful place for Coutinho

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Terrasa (Barcelona), February 3: Philippe Coutinho, who played his third match at Camp Nou in the Copa del Rey semifinal first-leg tie against Valencia, is still looking for his rightful place in the demanding Barcelona side.

Coutinho was a substitute and moved from the right, to the centre and over to the left, which was where the Brazilian was most involved.

He replaced Aleix Vidal, who was one of the surprise starters against Valencia, and his first touches came from that right wing.

Supporters at the Camp Nou cheered Coutinho's every touch, and the fans have put great expectations on their brand new signing, the most expensive in the history of Barcelona club.

The former Liverpool star was attentive and active throughout, focusing on his positioning and the pressure on Valencia.

The 25-year-old ended up on the left where he was much more dynamic.

When Andres Iniesta was substituted, Coutinho moved to the central midfield, that is where he usually played at Liverpool.

At Barcelona it is a hotly contested position, but what is clear is that with Iniesta on the field, Coutinho is forced to play on the right, where he is not comfortable.

In any event, Coutinho's versatility has also been key and much is expected of him in that sense.

With the Brazilian national team, he is used to moving to the right, so Valverde knows he is one of the players whose role is undefined and he will be placed per the needs of the team at the time.

Coutinho will return to a venue he knows very well when he faces his old team Espanyol-- Coutinho played 16 games for Espanyol in 2012 before joining Liverpool -- in a widely anticipated local derby.

(The author is based in Barcelona)