For once, Barcelona didn't get their way this summer as Liverpool resisted several offers for their prized asset, Philippe Coutinho.

While the Brazilian playmaker has started the season well - with a magnificent performance against Maribor in the Champions League - the Reds have frustrated over the past two months or so.

With only two wins in their last nine games - neither of which came in the Premier League - Jurgen Klopp's men hit a new low with the 4-1 defeat at the hands of Spurs last weekend.

And Coutinho was left frustrated by Liverpool's defending once again.

"The goals were goals that could have been prevented," he told ESPN Brasil.

"It started out wide and we end up conceding one of those goals the manager speaks about.

"He speaks a lot about this - we've conceded a lot of goals like this. And obviously, in attack, we were unable to score the goals necessary to draw or turn around the game."

The 25-year-old might be annoyed with Liverpool's inability to defend properly, but could Barcelona offer him an escape in January?

Spanish expert Guillem Balague certainly thinks so: "If you ask most people they will agree it doesn't make much sense for Liverpool to sell Coutinho in January but Barcelona will still try.

"They will put about €80m (£71m) on the table and will look to test Liverpool's resolve. Barca feel the conditions are still there for the player to leave - they think he will still be very useful to them considering the departure of Neymar as he has not been replaced.

"Remember Barca did not want Coutinho until they started to use him as a way to keep Neymar from PSG," Balague continued. "Once Neymar left they realised he could fill that gap anyway.

"This transfer now enters the phase of wait and see what happens in January. Barca will bid €80m (£71m), it's just for Liverpool to decide. Has their resolve softened? Or will they stay strong again like the summer?"

Coutinho has four goals in eight games for Liverpool in all competitions this season, so why would his value have decreased since the summer?

As of January, Coutinho still has four more years on the new £150,000-a-week deal he signed last season, so why would Liverpool settle for anything under the £114 million that was Barca's third bid last summer?

If they think Coutinho's value has decreased because he wants to join them, it's very doubtful Liverpool will see it that way.