Jamie Carragher makes Liverpool and Aston Villa comparison in Philippe Coutinho statement

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher thinks Philippe Coutinho could be "one of the stories of the season" if he continues his impressive start to life at Aston Villa.

The 29-year-old has hit the ground running upon his return to the Premier League having registered four goal contributions in his first three games for Villa.

He joined former Reds team-mate Steven Gerrard at Villa Park in January after Barcelona sanctioned his loan move away from Camp Nou last month and has impressed at his new club.

Ex-Liverpool defender Carragher thinks Coutinho can show his best form at Villa Park with Gerrard at the helm.

"If Coutinho rebuilds his career and reputation at Villa under his former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard it will be one of the stories of this season, a credit to the player and the manager," Carragher wrote in his column for The Telegraph.

"There are obvious reasons why the deal looks right for all parties, but – and I mean this with all due respect to Villa – it is still brave of Coutinho to make such a move. He is a Brazil international who believes his natural home is at a Champions League club, not somewhere where finishing in the top 10 this season will represent excellent progress.

"Without Gerrard, there is no way Coutinho joins Villa. It is a positive sign that his priority is to fall back in love with football, working for a coach who understands him and knows what makes him tick.

"Coutinho was at his best under [Brendan] Rodgers and [Jurgen] Klopp when he had their trust and love. He is a quiet, unassuming character.

"When I first saw him I wondered if he was too slight for English football. His skill, close control and speed with the ball at his feet removed any doubts, but the Liverpool team was