nayimfromthehalfwayline
Andy Thompson
I think the style of play of the two players is a little different. Mane has the pace advantage in receiving the ball in behind for example, but I don't think their roles for Liverpool were/are particularly different. Both played wide left (or right) in a 4-3-3. Both were/are given the ball early and asked to run at the opposition, cutting inside where possible, both were/are free'd of defensive responsibility other than tracking the runs forward of their full back in direct opposition (if they dare make them). I don't think having Coutinho or Mane on the left of midfield changes Liverpool's defensive game one iota.
Fair enough.
I always saw it very much as Coutinho being the link man between midfield and attack, while nominally on the left he spent a lot of time coming central and trying to pick out forward runners etc.
He added a bit of craft to their game.
When he leaves, IMO, that link disappears. Now its a more direct game with the forwards all pressing on and going for goal.
Personally I see quite a different style. Much less refined, much less appealling - but it seems much more effective (though I do wonder if they can keep it up)