In an official statement, Aston Villa have announced that they have agreed on terms for Philippe Coutinho to spend the rest of this season on loan at Villa Park. The former Liverpool player has rejoined the Premier League after struggling to make a mark with the Catalan giants following his move in 2018. It is believed that Steven Gerrard had a part to play in his signature with the Villa boss having previously shared the pitch alongside the Brazilian in Liverpool colours.
Philippe Coutinho Struggled At FC Barcelona
Coutinho joined Barcelona around the same time now three years ago in a club-record transfer from Liverpool. Under Jurgen Klopp, the Brazilian was a treat to watch as he gelled pretty well with the Reds front 3 to become a major attacking threat. It was believed that Barcelona would have a gem under their belt for years to come looking at the numbers the Brazilian racked up with the Reds.
But things didn’t seem to go his way from the start in Blaugrana colours. The Brazilian struggled with fitness to begin with and then with form to make a mark at Camp Nou. Coutinho also failed to stamp a berth in the Barcelona starting XI following his poor performances when given a chance.
The Brazilian managed only 26 goals in 106 appearances for the Catalan giants. He was also sent on loan to Bayern Munich for a season in 2019. But that also didn’t help the Brazilian turn things around at Barca as he failed to regain his best form and had to sit on the bench most of the time.
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What Will Philippe Coutinho Bring To Steven Gerrard’s Squad?
Philippe Coutinho is a skilful attacking player and has showcased his talent in the Premier League previously. Aston Villa recently sold Jack Grealish to Manchester City for a club-record fee and now hope to replace the talisman with the Brazilian’s flair. Coutinho, when in full flow, is a different player to watch as he can easily take on defenders and score top bins. He is certainly someone who can solve Villa’s creativity issues if he can find his true form again.
Coutinho’s relationship with Gerrard from their days in Liverpool might also be a factor in the latter helping the Brazilian regain his best form. Coutinho, as seen previously, is also dangerous from dead-ball situations and has scored a number of direct free-kicks in the Premier League. Now it remains to be seen if at all can Coutinho finally turn his fortune and get back to his best under his former teammate and help Villa reach new heights in the new year.
