Jack Grealish comment made as Aston Villa praised for 'good business'

Philippe Coutinho was at his brilliant best again on Saturday as he inspired Aston Villa to a resounding win over Southampton.

The Brazilian loanee scored one and produced an outstanding all-round display as the Saints were hammered 4-0 at Villa Park.

Therefore, it was no surprise to see Coutinho named in many people’s Premier League team of the weekend.

They included BBC pundit Garth Crooks, who raved about Coutinho’s display and said he is proving a more than able replacement to Jack Grealish, the former Villa talisman who left for Manchester City last summer.

Crooks said: “Villa Park is buzzing again and it's all down to Philippe Coutinho. When Steven Gerrard landed the services of the Brazilian he did say that once the player was fully fit he would play a major part in Villa's progression and that seems to be the case.

“Coutinho is making players play all over the pitch. Why his move to Barcelona didn't work out is hard to fathom but I haven't seen a player have such an impact on a Villa team since Jack Grealish.

“It looks like Coutinho has well and truly replaced Grealish - and at a fraction of the cost. Coutinho for Grealish looks like good business done by Villa.”

Crooks also highlighted that Coutinho has been involved in six goals in four home Premier League games for Villa, scoring three and assisting three.

Schmeichel: Schar, Silva, Cancelo; James, Coutinho, De Bruyne, Mahrez; Toney, Havertz, Saka.