Vasco: Coutinho shines as top scorer in new role under Diniz, see stats | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama fans have grown accustomed to seeing Philippe Coutinho as the maestro orchestrating the midfield, but in 2026 the number 10 has taken on an even more lethal role: that of a finisher. His penalty goal in the 2-0 victory over Botafogo last Sunday confirmed the midfielder’s excellent start to the year, as he has already tallied three goals and one assist in the first five games of the season.

This goal-scoring phase is no coincidence, but rather the result of a tactical adjustment made by Fernando Diniz. With new signings and the need to break through tight defenses, the coach has pushed Coutinho further forward, giving him more freedom to get into the box and finish plays.

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Diniz wants Coutinho close to goal

The change in approach is clear in the statistics. In the draw against Chapecoense, for example, Coutinho took an impressive 10 shots at the opponent’s goal. Against Botafogo, in addition to scoring, he entered the box to cross the ball that led to Brenner’s goal.

In the post-match press conference, Diniz explained the strategy of moving the midfielder away from the base of the play and placing him at the “front” of the attack.

Coutinho scores Vasco’s second goal against Botafogo – Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco

Botafogo: His favorite victim since 2010

Sunday’s goal also had a nostalgic flavor. Botafogo has now become the biggest victim of Coutinho’s career at Vasco, having conceded 3 goals to him. The historical coincidence is that the other two goals came in the legendary 6-0 thrashing in the 2010 Carioca, when the star was just 17 years old and scored his first professional goals.

In total, Coutinho now has 17 goals in 122 matches with the Cruz de Malta. After finishing 2025 with 56 games (his personal record for appearances), he starts 2026 combining good physical form with a sharp eye for goal, making him the main weapon for the clash this Wednesday (11th) against Bahia at São Januário.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.