Philippe Coutinho: Pundit issues ‘frightening’ Aston Villa player claim
Philippe Coutinho’s performance for Aston Villa v Leeds United was “frightening”.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the player he believes to be the Premier League’s joint-best January addition.
Coutinho, 29, scored and provided two assists in Wednesday’s (9 February) draw with Leeds United.
An Aston Villa source told Football Insider on Thursday (10 February) the club have a £33.7million option to buy Coutinho after signing him on loan last month.
It is understood Steven Gerrard will have no hesitation in telling the board to trigger the deal after pushing for his capture.
Kenny has hailed Coutinho’s impact and believes there is even more to come from the Brazilian.
“What an impact he has had,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ewan Kingsbury.
“He scored in his first game as well didn’t he? What a signing. The Gerrard effect is clear.
“Getting Gerrard in has been massive for the club. He’s obviously used his connections to get Coutinho in.
“For me, him and Kieran Trippier have been the two best signings of January and they have both come from the Spanish league.
“A goal and two assists against Leeds is frightening. I think I heard Gerrard saying he’s not fully fit yet so there is even more to come.“
Coutinho joined Aston Villa on loan from Barcelona in January.
His contract with the Catalan giants runs until the summer of 2023.
In other news, Aston Villa are working on an “unbelievable” £50m summer transfer.