Valverde: Coutinho's a more attacking player than Iniesta
The Barça coach says both players can play together
Coutinho is in line for his first start against Alaves
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde says that Philippe Coutinho could make his full debut against Alaves this weekend and that he has a "more attacking profile" than Andres Iniesta.
"Coutinho has to get used to what his teammates have been doing this season," Valverde said in his pre-game press conference.
"He will have defensive duties, of course, even though he has more of an attacking profile than Iniesta. They're different players, but they can complement each other perfectly on the pitch.
"Iniesta's more of a midfielder. Coutinho is more offensive, he takes on shots from distance and he can play wide or through the middle... but he also has to conform to what we do."
Coutinho joined from Liverpool earlier this month but had to wait until Thursday to make his debut, coming on as a substitute against Espanyol after recovering from a thigh injury.
Valverde says he's not in line to make his first start after becoming the club's record signing at €160 million.
"Coutinho could start [against Alaves], yes," the coach added. "He came through his debut the other day, so he's available. We will see..."
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