Philippe Coutinho: Hutton can’t believe ‘scary’ Aston Villa reveal
Aston Villa star Philippe Coutinho is already playing at a “top level” but there is “more to come”, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Claret and Blue defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Steven Gerrard can “get the best out of” the 29-year-old after years of looking unhappy playing football.
Speaking to club media (12 February), Gerrard insisted the on-loan Coutinho “can still get fitter and stronger” despite his glittering start to life at Aston Villa.
A club source told Football Insider last Thursday (10 February) that the former Rangers boss will have no hesitation in telling the board to activate the option in the Brazilian’s loan deal.
Aston Villa have the option to make the deal permanent for £33.7million in the summer.
Hutton urged Gerrard to “build a team around” the former Liverpool and Barcelona superstar.
“It’d be a great deal,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“But we still have to be patient. We’ve seen glimpses of Coutinho back to his best, but I still think there’s more to come – and Gerrard’s touched on that.
“He’s talked about how he’s a couple of weeks off being fit. The player will know that himself, you know when you’re not 100%.
“We’re seeing top-level performances from him already, so it’s scary to think that Gerrard is saying there’s more to come.
“I’m excited and looking forward to seeing some of that.
“The move suits everyone. Coutinho hasn’t looked happy playing football for years now.
“He’s come into a club where the manager will put his arm around him and get the best out of him. He should be building a team around him.
“I know people will say that he’s 29, pushing 30 – but what he gives you outweighs the negatives.
“Look at how he and Jacob Ramsey linked up against Leeds. The benefits of having him in that team to learn from will be massive.”
In other news, pundit tells Gerrard to change system after Ollie Watkins reveal.