Aston Villa news: Big claim emerges over 'top performer' & unseen Coutinho partnership

Leon Bailey and Philippe Coutinho could form a formidable partnership after arriving at Aston Villa this season, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

While Bailey arrived at Villa Park in the summer via a £25 million move from Bayer Leverkusen, Coutinho did so just last month on an initial six-month loan deal that includes an option to buy.

Villa’s season got off to a relatively slow start after they lost five consecutive Premier League games throughout October and the start of November, leading to Dean Smith’s dismissal.

The arrival of Steven Gerrard as Smith’s successor has had the desired effect so far, though, with the former Rangers manager picking up 17 points from his opening 11 top-flight fixtures at the helm.

However, things could improve even further for the 41-year-old tactician once Bailey recovers from his injury and is available for selection once again.

The Jamaica international has been sidelined since 1 December after picking up a thigh problem, meaning he is yet to feature alongside January addition Coutinho.

Bailey was widely regarded as a significant coup for the Midlands outfit after bagging 39 goals and laying on 26 assists in 156 outings for Leverkusen, and O’Rourke is excited about the prospect of him featuring in the same side as Villa’s new South American star.

Although Coutinho’s time at parent club Barcelona didn’t go as planned, he still notched up 79 goal contributions in 154 Premier League outings during his stint at Liverpool.

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And O’Rourke believes the combination of Coutinho and Bailey could add extra ‘attacking impetus’ to Villa’s play at the top end of the pitch.

When asked