‘Huge’ Aston Villa claim issued after pundit is ‘wowed’ by Coutinho
Aston Villa star Philippe Coutinho will turn his side’s form around once he gains full fitness.
That’s according to former Villains hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about his former side’s poor form.
Villa have only won one of their last eight games in all competitions, a run that has seen them sink to 13th in the Premier League.
On Saturday (19 February) Gerrard’s side lost 1-0 at home to relegation contenders Watford with Gerrard admitting his side deserved to be booed while speaking to Sky Sports after the game.
Coutinho has starred for Villa since joining the club on loan in January and McAvennie insist he is key to improving his side’s fortunes.
“Gerrard walked into the dressing room and brought players like Coutinho in, which is what that club needs,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“I think Villa are a huge club but they have been underachieving for years.
“That club is an institution, they should be and they can be right up there with the best.
“I was only up there for a few months but what a club it is, Steven Gerrard must feel that as well.
“He wants that club to do well and his signings have looked great. Coutinho isn’t even fit yet.
“Once he’s up and running, wow, things will turn around. I am absolutely certain Villa can end the season strong.
“Then it’s exciting and it’s finally time to look up the table and get even stronger over the summer.”
Coutinho has scored and assisted twice in five Premier League outings for Villa
Villa are next in action against Brighton on Saturday (26 February).
In other news, Alan Hutton has revealed Aston Villa stars are raving about a youngster in training after ‘speaking to John McGinn’.