by SPORT (pro-Barcelona daily)
Philippe Coutinho remains irrelevant at Vasco da Gama, where he returned in August 2024 after a 14-year stint in European football. At the historic Carioca club, where he rose through the youth ranks and holds idol status, he was welcomed with great celebrations and collective displays of affection. There was widespread confidence that his return to his hometown, Rio de Janeiro, and to a club he has deep ties with, would help revive his career. However, seven months later, all that euphoria has faded away.
Unrecognizable Form
The Coutinho at Vasco, who will turn 33 in June, looks exactly like the Coutinho seen in his final months at Aston Villa under Unai Emery, before embarking on his adventure in Qatar with Al-Duhail SC. Plagued by persistent physical issues that prevent him from playing regularly and appearing apathetic on the pitch, the attacking midfielder has only shown glimpses of his undeniable technical quality on rare occasions. He has been unable to perform at a level that matches the expectations surrounding his return to Cruzmaltino.
Vasco's struggles as a team, currently seeking new investors after a failed first attempt as a sports corporation, have also not provided an ideal environment for Coutinho to flourish. His latest appearance in Vasco's 3-0 win over modest Uniao Esporte Clube in the Copa do Brasil has sparked yet another wave of criticism from the Carioca press, which, in general, has lost faith in him.
The Neymar Comparison Hurts Him
Here, comparisons with Neymar Jr., his generational peer, work strongly against him. In less than three weeks, Neymar has transformed Santos, a club that had endured two brutal years, suffering relegation and the subsequent struggle in the Serie B of the Brasileirao. His social, economic, and sporting impact has been immense, and he has already taken on the responsibility of leading Peixe, a team just as mediocre if not worse than Vasco.
Unlike Coutinho, Neymar is on a clear upward trajectory, both physically and football-wise.
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Summary
Coutinho's return to Vasco da Gama has been disappointing, with the excitement surrounding his homecoming fading after just seven months.
Physical issues and lack of form have hindered his ability to make an impact.
Vasco's own struggles as a club have not helped, but Coutinho has failed to meet expectations.
The Carioca press is losing faith in him, especially after his underwhelming performance in the Copa do Brasil.
Comparisons with Neymar highlight his decline, as Neymar has quickly revitalized Santos, while Coutinho remains stagnant.
Additional Note
Coutinho is the same age as Mo Salah. In fact, they both turn 33 within a few days of each other in June. Look at the differences in their careers at this age�while Coutinho struggles for relevance, Salah remains at the peak of his powers, maintaining elite form and physical condition at the highest level of European football.
