Philippe Coutinho turned in a superb performance as Aston Villa drew 3-3 with Leeds United on Wednesday night, leading to praise from Jamie Carragher.
Dan James bagged the opener for Leeds but the first half became the Coutinho show after that.
Brazilian star Coutinho swivelled and fired a fine strike from Matty Cash’s cross, giving Illan Meslier no chance.
A great turn and pinpoint pass then allowed Coutinho to set up Jacob Ramsey, who ran clear to put Villa 2-1 up.
Coutinho made it a goal and two assists in the first half as he again played Ramsey in on goal, and he slammed past Meslier.
Villa struggled after that though, with James equalising before half time, somehow managing to outjump Tyrone Mings.
Diego Llorente then hauled Leeds level, scrambling home after Villa failed to deal with Pascal Struijk’s header.
The drama continued with Ezri Konsa’s red card, but Leeds couldn’t find a winner in a topsy-turvy game.
Leeds’ comeback as the biggest story but Coutinho dazzled, showing exactly why Steven Gerrard brought him to Villa in January.
Coutinho lost his way after leaving Liverpool for Barcelona, failing to live up to his price tag in four years at the Camp Nou.
Gerrard knows well having played together at Liverpool, and seemingly knows exactly how to utilise the playmaker.
That’s now two goals and two assists in just three appearances for Villa, with the January loan move absolutely paying off for all.
Coutinho’s former Liverpool teammate Jamie Carragher has now offered his reaction, simply tweeting ‘wow’ after seeing his performance against Leeds.
That’s likely how Villa fans feel too. Signing Coutinho was a risk after his struggles in recent years, but he seems like a player reborn.
Coutinho in full flight is a Premier League star, and it currently looks like he is becoming a ‘wow’ player once again after many years of frustration.
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