DEAL DONE: Philippe Coutinho can still shine at Aston Villa despite latest transfer news.
Philippe Coutinho featured off the bench for Aston Villa on Thursday (3 August) evening as Unai Emery’s side ran out 3-0 winners over Lazio and the Brazilian proved he can still cut it at Villa Park this season.
Coutinho played the second half as goals from Ollie Watkins, John McGinn and an own-goal from Lazio defender Mario Gila saw Emery’s side dismantle the Serie A giants and while speculation continues to surround his future, he reminded Villa fans just how much quality he does have.
The Brazilian has been linked with the exit door at Villa Park continuously having seemingly fallen down the pecking order since the Spaniard took over the reins from Steven Gerrard, but there is still plenty of magic in those boots to see him shine once again.
In his player ratings (3 August) from the win over Lazio, Birmingham Live’s John Towley gave Coutinho an eight, saying: “Showed flashes of quality. Coutinho has a lot of work to do to get back in the XI, but he still has a part to play in what could be a long season for Villa.”
The challenges facing Emery’s side this year can’t be forgotten, on top of the busy domestic schedule they also have the new task of the Europa Conference League facing them and depth will be a necessity in the Midlands this season.
Coutinho is an experienced European campaigner, winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich and reaching the Europa League final with Liverpool in a squad with very little European experience (other than their serial winner of a manager) he could play a vital role.
Even in what was a difficult campaign last time out for the 31-year-old, where he only made 20 Premier League appearances scoring once, he still could unlock defences. He sat in the 91st percentile of attacking midfielders in England’s top flight for progressive passes per 90 minutes (according to FBREf).
He also attempted an impressive 43.86 passes per 90, better than 84% of his positional peers could manage. That ability to break down a backline and drive his team up the pitch could be such an aid for Emery’s side, especially in Europe.
The Conference League has allowed players who aren’t heavily involved in domestic games to play matches and find form through competitive fixtures against weaker opposition and it could do the same for Coutinho if Villa can keep him fit and firing.
Available for the right offer
However, if the right offer comes in for the services of Coutinho, Villa may have to accept it especially when he will be one of the highest earners at Villa Park and that money could be better invested elsewhere.
It all depends on how much the 31-year-old wants to succeed in England, if he genuinely wants to reignite his career all the tools are at his disposal with his current club but it all depends on his drive.
Besiktas have already tried and failed with a £6.9million loan-to-buy offer, but that was not deemed good enough in the end [Milliyet].
Emery has already added to his squad well this summer, especially in midfield where Youri Tielemans has shone throughout pre-season so it will not be easy for Coutinho to stake his claim for a starting spot once the season gets up and running.
Hopefully the Brazilian has the hunger within himself to make one final impact at Aston Villa and earn back his starting place.
