Steven Gerrard Cited as Negative Influence on Philippe Coutinho at Liverpool

Former Stoke City and Tottenham forward Garth Crooks suggests the return of Steven Gerrard may have a negative impact on Philippe Coutinho's form at Liverpool.

Gerrard could return from injury to take part in the Reds' Premier League tie against Burnley on Wednesday, per Mike Whalley of ESPN FC. Coutinho has shot to prominence in Gerrard's absence—scoring terrific goals against Southampton and Manchester City—but Crooks indicates the captain's reappearance could knock Coutinho's confidence.

Crooks named Coutinho in his Team of the Week and wrote the following for BBC Sport:

"

I'm not surprised that he is growing with every game in the absence of club captain Steven Gerrard. I've been in enough dressing rooms over the years to note that senior players, however exceptional, have the ability to intimidate younger professionals.

It will be fascinating to observe how Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers handles the situation between now and the end of the season.

"

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Liverpool rarely enjoy the same creative spark when Coutinho isn't in the team—whether or not Gerrard plays—due to the Brazilian's natural willingness to move forward with possession. He loves to turn quickly, spot a runner and take up smart positions around the box. As we've witnessed with both of his recent strikes, it's a bad idea to give the little wizard room to crack a shot at goal.

Interestingly, Coutinho has scored twice in four appearances since Gerrard limped off during the win over Tottenham on Feb. 10, per WhoScored.com. He netted this total in 12 matches prior to the Englishman's spell on the sidelines, so Crooks may be on to something.

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Coutinho was conspicuous in his absence during the second-leg Europa League defeat to Besiktas, with Brendan Rodgers underlining his importance by resting him ahead of the City match. The gamble paid off in one respect, but Sky Sports recently highlighted how massively the playmaker influences his side's fortunes:

The former Inter Milan starlet appeared to drop slightly deeper at times during the City match. He was eager to collect the ball, feeding off short passes from Joe Allen, who has also enjoyed improved form without Gerrard. It's possible Gerrard's positioning in the centre—he doesn't bomb forward like he used to—has stopped Coutinho from taking greater responsibility across the pitch.

Rodgers recently highlighted the player's natural confidence when on the ball, per Liverpool's official Twitter account:

This is something that positively influences the rest of the team. Coutinho is able to simultaneously keep possession ticking while searching for cracks in the opposition's defence, a style that ensures Liverpool enjoy an ever-probing attacking threat.

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Gerrard's Anfield timeline is rapidly coming to an end—he will join MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season—but he has the quality to play a key role in Liverpool's quest for Champions League football.

Coutinho's heroics thrust the side to within two points of Manchester United in fourth, and with Allen gaining in confidence, there's no doubt Rodgers has a dilemma on his hands.

The Northern Irishman rarely bows to reputation—as highlighted when he benched Gerrard during the side's European tie against Real Madrid earlier in the season—so he will do what's best for the club. Liverpool fans are sure to be pleased to see that, despite a historic run in the first team, new stars are beginning to show there is life after Gerrard.