Steven Gerrard hails ‘level above’ Philippe Coutinho, talks permanent transfer

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard was purring at the performance of Philippe Coutinho following the 4-0 hammering of Southampton, stating that he ‘really showed his form of old.’

The Brazilian made one before scoring another in the win and was only denied a hat-trick of his own through a combination of superb goalkeeping and off-finishing.

It was both his third goal and assist since joining the claret & blue and his performances seem to only be improving with each passing game.

Speaking after the game, the manager couldn’t help but smile when discussing his former teammate.

“I thought at times today, with all due respect to everyone else on the pitch, he showed a level that was above the game at times and really showed his form of old,” Gerrard said.

“It was a pleasure to be in the stadium.

“I thought his quality today was high level. He could have gone for goal himself but sets Douglas Luiz up for a tap in and that goes to show what type of team player we’re dealing with here.

“Ollie [Watkins] goes through and could have got Phil another assist but Fraser pulls a top save off. For me he was man-of-the-match and he was above the game at times.”

The calls have already begun from supporters to get the 29-year-old in on a permanent deal and it’s easy to see why after seeing the influence he manages to have on a game. Not just from a personal perspective either, he appears to up the game of all those around him.

Whether it’s Coutinho in the summer or someone else, this is the marker for the calibre of player Villa want to attract but Gerrard says it will ultimately come down to those above him in terms of what deals get the go ahead.

“I don’t control transfer fees or wages, all I can do is add my opinion to Johan [Lange], Christian [Purslow] and to the owners,” he added.

“They are watching the game themselves and ultimately it will be them that make the final decision.

“I think what I said what Phil is capable of and what he can deliver and produce, so far he has certainly brought that to the table himself from a personal point of view.

“All good teams have these types of players. Game changers, ones who the opposition are really concerned about before a ball is kicked. Phil has that status and that level in the game.

“And not just what Phil is bringing to the table and the party, it’s the lift and the belief he’s given his teammates around him.

“If you said to Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins, ‘what do you need behind you?’ - they would say Philippe Coutinho. Why? Because he creates chances and he delivers on the big stage.”

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