Philippe Coutinho shares simple message with Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey

Philippe Coutinho has predicted that Aston Villa teammate Jacob Ramsey will go on to have a ‘great future’ in the game after the pair hit it off on the pitch under Steven Gerrard.

Ramsey converted two of Coutinho’s passes in Wednesday evening’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United, while the Brazilian also found the net. Manchester United were on the receiving end of that combination, too, as Coutinho made his Villa Park bow last month.

The pair will be hoping for similar fortunes when they team up to take on Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, but in the meantime, Coutinho has paid tribute to his young teammate and the understanding that they have developed in the early stages of the Barcelona loanee’s time at Villa Park.

“He’s a top player,” Coutinho told Sky Sports of Ramsey. “He’s very young, and he’s playing really well. I really enjoy playing with him and with all my team-mates. If I can help him, I will try to do my best. For sure, he has a great future.

“We didn’t speak too much yet. I just arrived here, my English has to improve, but on the pitch, I’m trying to connect with all my team-mates, and I hope I can help my team here.

“In the last game, we will feel like we could’ve won at the end, but I think the team played well. We gave everything, we enjoyed the game so we want to give the best for our fans and, of course we work hard for that.”