Revealed: What Steven Gerrard's former Liverpool teammate told him after signing Philippe Coutinho

Lucas Leiva has revealed what he said to Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard after the signing of Philippe Coutinho on loan was announced in January.

Lucas, a former teammate of both Gerrard and Coutinho at Liverpool, stated this to the Athletic : “The last time we spoke was when Phil Coutinho signed with Villa.

"I just wanted to make sure he looks after Phil well.

"He’s a very good friend of mine and I’m just happy he’s playing again and showing the quality we all know he has.”

Coutinho has hit the ground running in claret and blue after recording three goals and three assists in seven appearances. Whilst also re-announcing himself on the international stage for Brazil, with a call-up to the World Cup qualifiers last month where he scored in a 4-0 victory over Paraguay.

Speaking on the possibility of Coutinho staying at Villa Park permanently, Gerrard stated this: "Phil was successful at Barcelona but he had difficult periods as well.

""He got to the stage where he needed a change of scenery and a different movie.

"We want to be that movie for him because if we want to get to where we want to be, we need to build it around talents like Phil, because at his best he is a high-level player.

"All good teams have game-changers who the opposition are really concerned about before a ball is kicked. Phil has that status and he is giving belief to his team-mates.

"Our strikers Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings want him alongside them because he delivers on the big stage. I don't control transfer fees or wages.

"All I can do is give my opinion to (sporting director) Johan Lange, (chief executive) Christian Purslow and the owners. They are watching the games and they will make the final decision. Phil has shown what he is capable of