Coutinho's first year at Barcelona

Barcelona announced the signing of Philippe Coutinho on 6 January 2018, six months after they originally thought he would arrive, but it has been a difficult first year for the Brazilian.

Coutinho joined for 120 million euros, plus a further 40 million in variables, and that makes him the most expensive player in the club's history.

It is logical to expect a lot from Coutinho given the amount paid and perhaps he has underwhelmed to an extent, however he is still only 26 years old and he has proven that he can decide matches; it is just the inconsistency that has differentiated him from other superstar players.

For now, though, his one-year anniversary comes at a time of uncertainty after losing his place in Ernesto Valverde's starting line-up, with Barcelona's second highest ever signing, Ousmane Dembele, getting the nod alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

There have been attempts to play the former Liverpool star in midfield, where he could have the freedom to help dictate play, but instead Valverde has opted for more solidity, going with the likes of Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic, with Sergio Busquets at the base.

At a decisive moment of the season, Barcelona will need a player of Coutinho's quality, and there is no way that the club can afford to have a 160m euro signing sitting on the bench.

His first year with the Blaugrana has seen the Brazilian play in 44 games, scoring 15 goals and providing 10 assists, yet there is still the sense that he can do more; even when it comes to shooting, he is averaging just over one shot per game.

Coutinho needs to step up and become the player that both him and Barcelona want him to be.