South American football expert Tim Vickery has predicted reported Aston Villa target Phillipe Coutinho to flourish under Steven Gerrard, as well as replace Jack Grealish.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, the pundit claimed that the FC Barcelona star could be a good fit for Gerrard based on their time together at Liverpool, with Vickery also suggesting that the Brazilian could succeed Grealish’s role at Villa.
Coutinho has in recent days been linked with a surprise move to Villa Park, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the two parties are in talks. The Barcelona star is expected to leave Catalonia this January after four years with the club.
Indeed, Villa appear to be in the lead for the 29-year-old, who has struggled for form and consistency ever since singing for Barcelona in 2018. And according to Vickery, Coutinho could find his feet again under the coaching of Gerrard, as well as take Grealish’s role.
The South American pundit said: “Obviously, Steven Gerrard knows what Coutinho can do and knows how to get the best out of him. He knows the kind of treatment that he needs, so that’s intriguing.
Vickery added: “There’s also the factor that Villa sold Jack Grealish and perhaps they need an improvement in the attacking positions. That ticks a number of boxes.”
Coutinho could thrive with Villa if given time to adapt
It has been many years since we have seen the Coutinho that terrorised the Premier League and made Europe’s best defenders look amateur. And whilst this player is likely long gone, there is no doubt that Gerrard can bring the best out of his former teammate.
There’s no question that Villa are missing the impact of Grealish in the XI. Yet with Coutinho bringing a certain aura and quality to the club, the Barcelona star could be the missing piece to take Gerrard’s side to the next level.
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