Aston Villa news: Hutton salutes ‘spectacular’ Philippe Coutinho after what ex-teammates told him
The Aston Villa squad are “in awe” of “spectacular” loan star Philippe Coutinho, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Claret and Blue defender, speaking to Football Insider, insisted Steven Gerrard’s men are “really wanting to learn” from the 29-year-old.
Coutinho, who joined Aston Villa on loan in January, scored his fourth goal since joining during last night’s 3-0 win over Leeds United (10 March).
The Barcelona midfielder’s loan spell expires at the end of the season.
However, Steven Gerrard has confirmed Villa have the option to make the deal permanent.
When asked about what he’s heard about the Brazil international from his Aston Villa contacts, Hutton told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge: “Some of the things he does are spectacular, but he thinks it’s completely normal!
“A lot of the players are one or two steps behind him. He’s playing balls and the boys aren’t running onto it, because they don’t think that type of pass is possible.
“They’re just in awe of him. He’s played at the highest level, and I think everyone is just wanting to be a sponge and really learn from him.
“When he’s on the pitch, he makes people even better. There’s no doubt about it.”
Speaking to Amazon Prime (10 March), Gerrard called Coutinho a “joy to watch”.
However, he claimed a permanent move is “more complicated than people think”.
According to The Telegraph (9 March), Coutinho faces a significant cut to his £480,000-a-week wages if he is to join the Midlands side permanently.
Yesterday’s victory at Elland Road lifted Aston Villa above Southampton and into ninth place.
In other news, ex-manager tips Villa to complete “brilliant” £21million signing this summer.