Tim Sherwood has said that Philippe Coutinho is in a ‘unique’ situation at Aston Villa in that he has shared a dressing room before with his manager, Steven Gerrard, as he told Premier League Productions (10/02/22 at 12:40 pm).
The former Villa boss lauded Coutinho as ‘outstanding’ for his recent display against Leeds and a ‘no-brainer’ for Gerrard to bring him to the club.
Coutinho scored and supplied two assists as Villa recorded a 3-3 thriller with Leeds on Wednesday.
That’s three games for the magician in Claret and Blue colours – two goals and two assists already.
Added with Coutinho’s performances, Jacob Ramsey has also stepped up of late and Sherwood thinks it’s a ‘dream’ for the Villa youngster to play alongside the Brazil international.
“I do believe it’s a unique situation when a manager of a football club has actually sat next to one of the players he’s going to bring to the club,” said Sherwood.
“Like Stevie and Philippe. He has sat next to him in the dressing room. He knows exactly how he looks after himself. Conducts himself – he’s a model professional, who just wants to play football.
“So, it was a no-brainer for Stevie to bring him back. He might have to get up to speed, but it doesn’t look like it.
“Outstanding (v Leeds). The goal was the easiest part. The two passes for Ramsey were exquisite. The timing and weight of the pass were absolutely fantastic.
“It must be a dream for this boy (Ramsey). He must be thinking I have someone now, who can get on the ball and I can make runs.”
Whatever happened with Coutinho at Barcelona, he is showcasing his oldself in Villa colours.
There is still a long way to go yet, but it’s proving to be a masterstroke from those in the West Midlands boardroom to bring him to the club.
Villa fans would want the Barcelona loanee signed up on a permanent basis straightaway.
But it would be sensible for Villa and the player to have those discussions once the season is over.
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