Agbonlahor: Philippe Coutinho drinking in last chance saloon after confirmed Aston Villa news
Aston Villa might benefit from Philippe Coutinho’s omission from the latest Brazil squad, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer claimed Coutinho is drinking in last chance saloon ahead of the World Cup and must improve his club form to earn his place in the final squad.
As relayed by ESPN earlier this week (9 September) the 30-year-old has been left out of the squda despite being a favourite of coach Tite.
It is the first time he has not made the squad in the last11 months and he has three goals in his last four appearances for his country.
Asked whether Coutinho should use the decision as motivation, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “He has to because this could be his last World Cup with his age.
“Brazil have got so many top players in that final third, this could be his last chance.
“The manager will like him but if you are not ripping up trees at Aston Villa then you don’t deserve to go to the World Cup.
“Douglas Luiz is not in it either. I feel you have to be playing in the Premier League and performing at a high level. They’ve got so many good players, Brazil.
“Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli didn’t make the squad. If they’re not making it, Coutinho has got no chance.
“He has to up his game. These next two months, it could help Aston Villa that he has to improve to get into the World Cup squad.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Aston Villa have banked a “significant deposit” as £200million sponsor news emerges.