Tuesday 3 April 2018 11:10, UK
Philippe Coutinho is not yet living up to high expectations at Barcelona, says Terry Gibson.
Coutinho moved to Barcelona in January from Liverpool for £146m, scoring three goals and registering two assists in 13 appearances so far for the La Liga side, who are unbeaten in the top flight.
After his debut was delayed due to a hamstring issue, Coutinho has only sporadically shown glimpses of the form that warranted his huge price tag, and Sky Sports' Spanish football expert Gibson was expecting more.
"I must admit I am hoping, and expecting, to see more from Coutinho, to be honest," Gibson said on the La Liga Weekly podcast. "I know there is a settling in period, but he's come in as the finished article, whereas Ousmane Dembele is the younger player, with less games under his belt. Coutinho has come in as the finished article."
Barcelona scored twice in the dying stages of their 2-2 draw with Sevilla on Saturday, maintaining their unbeaten La Liga campaign, but Gibson was unimpressed with the Brazilian's contribution when they needed it most.
"Watching him at the weekend, it was clear how much difference there was in the Barca side when Lionel Messi came on. I know it's not fair to judge Coutinho against Messi, but he didn't contribute to the cause.
"As the game went on, he was more prepared to make the easy pass, where it needed more. It needed him to drive at defenders, and get shots in on goal, create chances.
"But he was doing the opposite, he was getting the ball and laying it off, and even getting caught in possession."
Despite recognising that Coutinho has had his moments, Gibson insists the huge price tag has not matched his overall performances since arriving at the Nou Camp.
"We should have [higher expectations of Coutinho]. We shouldn't just allow this settling-in period, when you cost that much.
"He's had moments where he's scored good goals, made goals. It was a tough game, but I thought he could have done better. "
