Philippe Coutinho: Pundit ‘holds his hands up’ after Aston Villa reveal via Sky
Kevin Phillips has been “surprised” by Philippe Coutinho’s electric start to life at Aston Villa.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Claret and Blue striker said “it’s amazing” what a manager’s belief and love can do to a player.
Coutinho has contributed two goals and two assists in four appearances since joining Aston Villa on loan from Barcelona last month.
In an interview with Sky Sports (13 February), the Brazil international detailed how he wants to repay Steven Gerrard’s faith in him on the pitch.
The pair were Liverpool teammates between 2013 and 2015.
When asked by Football Insider’s Dylan Childs for his thoughts on Coutinho’s Premier League return, Phillips said: “I’ve been surprised.
“I hold my hands up, I thought he’d struggle at first.
“He hasn’t played a lot of football in recent seasons so I thought the hustle and bustle of the Premier League would take him getting used to again.
“But cream always rises to the top. Top players find a way to perform and that is exactly what he’s done.
“The message from Stevie G will be, ‘Get the ball to Coutinho, let him work his magic.’ He’s got so much class on the ball.
“It’s amazing what can happen to a player when a manager gives him a bit of love.
“There is very few better than Coutinho when he’s at his best. You don’t lose that world-class ability overnight.”
In other news, Aston Villa have been tipped to agree a Jacob Ramsey deal after a behind-the-scenes reveal.