Here’s everything Philippe Coutinho could bring to Aston Villa

Former Liverpool and Inter Milan midfielder Philippe Coutinho looks like he will be heading to Villa Park this January transfer window, after reports emerged last night.

The former Vasca De Gama youth graduate was linked with a move to Arsenal and Tottenham this window, but it now looks like Villa are now front runners for the 29-year-old.

What could have swayed the Brazilian is Aston Villa boss, Steven Gerrard, who played in the same midfield as Coutinho for two years when Coutinho was at Liverpool. The player was with Gerrard at Liverpool from 2013 until 2015, when Gerrard left for LA Galaxy.

What can Coutinho offer at Villa Park?

Coutinho is a very skillful player, and the last of a dying breed - the true number 10.

Unfortunately he hasn’t been able to replicate the form he had at Liverpool with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but during his five years on Merseyside, he showed moments of brilliance countless times.

Whilst he won’t exactly replace Jack Grealish, he shares many qualities as the former Villa captain. His best attributes is arguably his long-shots and dribbling.

His close control and great dribbling means he can operate in tight areas, and create chances out of nothing.

Also, many times at Liverpool we saw unbelievable long-range shooting.

He adds a flair and cockiness on the pitch that Villa haven’t had this season. At times, it’s been too robotic but with Coutinho in the side, he would give Villa a different dynamic on the pitch, and with players such as Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins at your disposal, they would thrive with a player like Coutinho supplying them.

There’s no reason he can’t play with Emiliano Buendia, too. There’s room for two silky creators in this team.

If he does sign, the 29-year-old, who’s about to enter his prime, will be a great addition for Villa.