Philippe Coutinho has to find form against Everton, says Jamie Redknapp
Saturday 1 April 2017 12:46, UK
Jamie Redknapp believes Philippe Coutinho must step up in the absence of Adam Lallana to ensure Liverpool earn victory over rivals Everton in Saturday's Merseyside derby, live on Sky Sports.
Everton are without a win in any of their last 13 meetings with Liverpool in all competitions, and they have not won a single game at Anfield since the turn of the century.
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However, the absence through injury of Adam Lallana, who has been one of Jurgen Klopp's star performers this season, has given Toffees fans hope.
Without the injured England international, Redknapp insisted Coutinho must put his poor form to the back of his mind and turn it on at Anfield.
"Lallana has been Liverpool's best player this season," Redknapp told Sky Sports. "Early on in the season, the go-to man was Philippe Coutinho, but he has fallen away a bit. I think he may have come back from his injury a bit too soon.
"Coutinho has to show he is the main man, now. He has been Liverpool's best player in the last few years, but he hasn't done it recently for some reason.
"There is huge emphasis on him to play well, in that Lallana role. There are options for Liverpool, but Coutinho should be the focal point.
"Lallana is a massive miss. He is the one that first puts the opposition under pressure, but also has fantastic skill and is capable of scoring goals. If you could have taken one player out of Liverpool's team to favour Everton, it would have been Lallana."
Everton's form must concern Liverpool, according to Redknapp. Ronald Koeman has masterminded quite the turnaround at Goodison Park, with Everton having lost just once since their defeat in the last Merseyside derby.
Saturday's match is set to include only a few Liverpudlians, but Redknapp feels the occasion is one in which one youngster can really make a name for himself.
"There has been a pleasant change at Everton," Redknapp added. "The young players are getting their chance and it is looking like they have a team full of energy.
"The only thing with Everton is that their last away game against a top side they lost to Tottenham. They were much more defensive against Spurs, set up with that extra defensive option in midfield, but they have to go for it against Liverpool.
"They can lay down a marker, let everyone know they are a really good team. Fans want to see an exciting team. If they don't win, at least fans will appreciate them having a go.
"I can see Everton being direct at Anfield, hitting Romelu Lukaku early. You have to get the defenders turning, testing them. If you play in front of them, Liverpool can really hurt them. Liverpool can hit you on the counter.
"They are great games to play in, but they are only great if you win. They are no fun if you are losing them. Tom Davies is the kid I am looking forward to seeing most tomorrow. He is a local boy, but is an old head on young shoulders and I cannot wait to see how he handles the situation."
