Why Is FC Barcelona Giving Lionel Messi’s Number 10 to Philippe Coutinho?

FC Barcelona have had an eventful summer to say the least. After securing the signings of Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero, Barca looked set to re-sign club captain and legend Lionel Messi.

But luck surely wasn’t on their side as a potential re-signing breached La Liga financial rules. With a talismanic figure like Messi gone at 21 long years, the Blaugrana will certainly enter a new phase. The club will hope that their existing players can carry the team to success.

Barcelona likely to give no. 10 jersey to Philippe Coutinho

The number 10 jersey in Barcelona has seen some of the biggest names of world football. Be it Diego Maradona to Ronaldinho, many legendary players have worn the iconic jersey. But Messi certainly takes the cake as the best player to ever don the no.10 jersey.

With the Argentine’s departure, Barcelona have a vacant spot for their iconic no.10 jersey. While the newer players like Depay, Kun Aguero and Rey Minaj could have been Barca’s new no.10, all of them have been registered with different numbers.

While there were rumblings of Barca potentially looking to get rid of Philippe Coutinho in a potential swap deal, recent reports suggest that the Blaugrana are planning to give another opportunity to the Brazilian.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca are planning to keep Coutinho and reportedly offered him to become the new no. 10. Given how rampant rumors have been about a potential departure, Barca taking a chance on the 28-year-old is certainly a shocker.

READ MORE- Here’s Why Chelsea Is the Most Successful English Club in the 21st Century

Why are Barca offering Coutinho to become new no.10 jersey?

Coutinho certainly has had a rough time in Barcelona. While he had an electrifying start to his career with the Spanish giants, injuries hampered his time with the Spanish giants. While many might be shocked with Barca offering the Brazilian the no. 10 jersey, there is no doubting Coutinho’s ability.

The Brazilian might not produce big numbers like that of Messi, but he certainly can have a positive impact in the Barca starting lineup. One of the biggest positives that the Argentine brought in to the field was his chance creation. Producing a whooping 2.4 chances per game in the league last season, Messi easily topped the list.

With the 6-time Ballon D’or gone, Barca might be in dire need of some creativity. Coutinho certainly can be the answer to the same. While his 2020-21 season was marred with injuries, in the 2019-20 season with Bayern, the Brazilian produced 1.5 chances per game.

Apart from his impressive chance creation, the 28-year-old also has impressive dribbling numbers. With many players like Aguero, Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele out, this is the perfect time for Coutinho to impress boss Ronald Koeman.

With Messi also gone, Coutinho will get his free flowing role in Barca’s offense. The former Liverpool star won’t be limited to a wider role in the side rather can operate in the middle of the park.

The Brazilian will be a perfect fit in a 4-3-1-2 system. Playing behind two strikers in Antoine Griezmann and Memphis Depay, the 28-year-old will have all the freedom he needs to work his magic. Will Ronald Koeman give one last chance to Coutinho to flourish?