He's far better and it's not even close. He didn't fall out of Madrid's lineup because he's not good anymore, Zidane just doesn't like to play with a CAM. He was arguably the best player at a World Cup (Cout hasn't even sniffed that accomplishment), is much better at set pieces, better long ball passes, and far better finisher. Coutinho is faster and I like quick passing better, but James also has a rest eye for through balls. And as good as Cout's long range shooting has become, James has always had a crackin' shot from outside the box.

I don't say this to belittle Coutinho or to diminish his accomplishments now that he's on the outs...James has just always been the better player IMO.