Pundit hits out at ‘baffling’ Philippe Coutinho latest as new Aston Villa axe reported – ‘everyone knows’
Noel Whelan has suggested Philippe Coutinho deserves to miss out on Brazil’s World Cup squad after his “baffling” lack of form at Aston Villa.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 30-year-old must show a “strong personality” and use his potential omission as “motivation” for the rest of the 2022-23 campaign.
According to Spanish outlet Sport (26 October), Coutinho is set to be axed from the Brazil squad for next month’s World Cup in Qatar due to his poor Aston Villa form.
The report claims Flamengo’s Everton Ribeiro and Liverpool star Roberto Firmino will instead be part of the Selacao for the showpiece tournament.
Coutinho is yet to register a goal or assist in 12 appearances since joining Aston Villa from Barcelona on a permanent basis for a reported £17million in the summer.
The Midlands club have struggled for form this season and the Brazillian’s former Liverpool teammate, Steven Gerrard, paid with his job earlier this month.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “You’d like to think a strong player with a strong personality and mentality would use it as motivation to up his performances.
“Everyone knew there was a World Cup on the horizon. Coutinho had to hit the ground running if he was going to catch the eye, and he just hasn’t done it.
“He’s been lacking in quality, especially when you think about his start at Aston Villa and the talent he has.
“We just haven’t seen it. It’s a real shame because there was a buzz when he came in.
“Now people are just scratching their heads. How can he have dropped off so quickly? It’s baffling.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire issues “£444million” reveal as Aston Villa to back Unai Emery to the hilt.