Bayern Munich forward, Thomas Muller, used the word ‘great’ on Instagram to describe Philippe Coutinho’s debut performance for Aston Villa during their 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Saturday.
After a lot of limelight was put on Coutinho’s signing during this past week, the 29-year-old came off the bench to help Villa come from 2-0 down and secure a deserved point against Manchester United.
The on-loan Barcelona player thanked the Villa fans for their ‘warm welcome’, as players, such as Muller, Mo Salah, Jordan Henderson, Memphis Depay and Richarlison reacted in the comments section.
Coutinho has only played 20 odd minutes for Villa and he is already a very popular figure with the supporters.
At this moment in time, this is just a loan deal, although those in the Villa Park boardroom have ensured that they have the option to buy him in the summer if things go well.
All in all, it’s a win-win situation for Steven Gerrard because if he gets the best out of the Brazil international, then he has a top-quality playmaker on his hands for next season.
From a financial perspective, he is only here for a small period, and given the money Villa have, it’s a drop in the ocean for them to bring him in.
Either way, Coutinho has hardly been in B6 for a week and he has already lifted the mood around the place.
It’s an outside chance for Villa this season, but they will still be chasing those European places during the second half of the campaign.
And if it doesn’t happen this season, then there will be a serious charge towards those places for the next campaign.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
