Philippe Coutinho

The promising Brazil youngster began his career at Vasco de Gama and was quick to impress top European clubs at the age of just sixteen. His superb dribbling ability and outstanding vision, coupled with an array of deft passing and tactical awareness, displaying maturity beyond his years, earned him a €4 million move to Serie A side Inter Milan. After two years struggling with injuries and a lack of first team football Brendan Rodgers brought Coutinho to Liverpool for a fee reported to be worth £8·5 million.

Despite a history of injury problems at such a young age, it should not be a worry for Liverpool fans as the majority of his injuries were muscle strains, caused by a rigorous strength and conditioning programme in order to add muscle to his slight frame. Perhaps with a more sensible muscle building programme employed by Liverpool staff, Coutinho will be able to make a swift transition to the physicality of the Premier League. Addressing his lack of first team football, Coutinho was a regular starter under the unsuccessful reign of former Reds boss Rafael Benitez, and after two seasons riddled with injuries, spent an impressive 6 months at Espanyol under the current Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino, who was battling to retain Coutinho's services at his new club.  Despite his successful 6 month loan deal, Coutinho will need regular playing time in order fulfil his maximum potential and Reds fans will hope he can flourish under Brendan Rodgers' regime. "I'm really looking forward to developing him and seeing him work. I got a good insight into him last year when he was at Espanyol, he's a real talent and a good, young, exciting player - but also a real good professional and that's key as well."

In his first interview with LFC, Coutinho spoke confidently about what he believes he can bring to the team : "I'm a player who likes to make moves and to play along with the attack, passing as well as scoring. I like dribbling and playing near to the box - that is a strength I have. " These are assets Liverpool have been short of this season with much of the chance creation dependent on Luis Suarez's broad shoulders, especially with Steven Gerrard adapting his game slightly to drop into the role of a central defensive midfielder. Liverpool's new signing is comfortable with both feet,  has strong tactical awareness and discipline and has been likened to his Brazilian counterpart Oscar. When Rodgers was quizzed regarding Coutinho's ability he responded: "He's a wonderful talent and a great technician, he's got pace, strength and power. He's flexible - he can play in midfield or off the sides. He's a really exciting player and another great product to come into the league."

The 20 year old's prospective weaknesses are few and far between but weighing in  at just 71kg supported by a 171cm frame will do him no favours as he attempts to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League. In addition, he favours himself as an attacking midfielder and is likely to lend no assistance whatsoever to the defensive side of the game. Liverpool fans should not expect a Dirk Kuyt type of work ethic either.

Philippe Coutinho also reflects FSG's transfer policy as they consistently invest in young players with great potential, the philosophy being that even if they don't reach the heights they promise, their value will still be reasonable. Conversely to the disputed success of Liverpool's recent signings, Coutinho will hope to make an immediate impact. With his array of abilities, the Brazilian will hope to contribute to the final third of Liverpool's play and kickstart the club's efforts to reach Champions League qualification.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX4H0mOFJgY- 3 minute video of Philippe Coutinho's best bits

"Stoke football" - long ball tactics

Tony Pulis has built a physically imposing, hard-working team which has amassed a high amount of points over the last five premier league years. The Britannia has become a fortress which many teams dread visiting because they are most definitely not in for an easy afternoon. The features of Stoke's play are: an extreme aerial threat, direct passing, physical defending and maximum effort throughout.

According to English Premier League Index, somewhat unsurprisingly, Stoke have committed the largest total of fouls in the premier league season so far. This style of play is epitomized by their captain, Ryan Shawcross. He is frequently criticized for ' holding' in the penalty box during free kicks, a subject which has been debated frequently in past weeks. However, in the eyes of some, he received his just desserts as he was elbowed, punched and headbutted discreetly by the normally mild- mannered Marouane Fellaini, who, in turn, received a  3 game suspension.

Although long ball tactics will continue to be criticised, Stoke's success can no longer be ignored. This was no more apparent than in Stoke' s home fixture against Liverpool, which was also a battle of contrasting styles. Brendan Rodgers has attempted to adopt the possession style of play for Liverpool which has been so successful across the continent, particularly with Spain's recent domination of world football. There is no question over which style is favoured in terms of aesthetics, as possession football is consistently touted as  what has become, the beautiful game.

The match began in a somewhat typical brash Stoke fashion as Ryan Shawcross hauled Luis Suarez to the ground, conceding a penalty which Gerrard confidently dispatched. However Tony Pulis' side quickly responded, fashioning two goals with their trademark aerial ability. Almost the definition of tireless hard work and determination, Jon Walters converted from a cross that trickled away from Liverpool centre back,  Martin Skrtel. Stoke's strike force bludgeoned the Liverpool centre backs throughout, and their efforts were rewarded only minutes after their opening goal as Kenwyne Jones rose highest to power his header across the line and past the flailing Pepe Reina. There were glimpses of technical prowess also as Jon Walters superbly volleyed to score Stoke's third goal and put the result beyond doubt, and, as of the 27 December, put Stoke in 8th position, 3 points clear of  a Liverpool targeting Champions League qualification.

Similar tactics have been utilised by Sam Allardyce's West Ham, an advocate of the 'long ball' game and have seen his side propelled into the periphery of the top half of the Premier League despite having been promoted from the NPower Championship the previous season. It could also be argued that Neil Lennon used similar tactics to get the better of arguably the greatest team in the world - Barcelona. Celtic suffocated Barcelona's passing game by crowding the centre of the pitch and forcing the opposition to progress down the wings, only to cross the ball to the all too obvious weakness of a lack of height and aerial prowess, much to the jubilation of Celtic Park.