Kevin Phillips says Steven Gerrard ‘relies’ on Coutinho for ‘crunch games’

Philippe Coutinho turned his loan move permanent at Aston Villa after a positive loan spell from Barcelona, so Steven Gerrard can plan for next season with the Brazilian playmaker at his disposal.

The 29-year-old made 19 Premier League appearances in his five months at Villa Park, scoring five goals with three assists while creating 25 chances, having 43 shots and making 21 successful dribbles.

Coutinho scored four goals and made three assists from his first eight league outings but suffered a dip in form that lasted a number of weeks. Despite this, Kevin Phillips believes the 29-year-old will be a regular in the starting lineup regardless.

He says Coutinho’s reputation precedes himself, telling Football Insider: “You almost feel that Coutinho is always going to start now. Steven Gerrard has got no problems with chopping and changing that Aston Villa side. But when the crunch games come, he’s going to be relying on Coutinho every time.

“When you bring Coutinho in, with what he’s done in the game – he will understandably be first choice.” The Brazilian has played for Inter Milan, Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, racking up a lot of experience and winning major honours.

If Villa want to finish in the top-six of the Premier League next season, having a player with Coutinho’s CV is a benefit. He’s talented enough to take the Midlands outfit to the next level and has vindicated Gerrard’s trust since joining.

In other news, Kevin Phillips says Emi Buendia hasn’t ‘lived up’ to transfer fee