Steven Gerrard makes bold Philippe Coutinho Liverpool claim after Aston Villa heroics

Steven Gerrard stated that Philippe Coutinho was ”back to his Liverpool form” in Aston Villa’s 4-0 win over Southampton on Saturday.

Coutinho provided a goal and assist in his side’s convincing victory - and had enough chances to claim a hat-trick at Villa Park.

Reunited with his former Liverpool team-mate Gerrard , the 29-year-old has registered six combined goals and assists in seven league games since his January loan move from Barcelona.

As Coutinho rediscovers his confidence, his Villa boss has even claimed the attacking midfielder sent him into early retirement.

"We've got Phil [Coutinho] back fit and in a really good place," Gerrard said on Match of the Day. "He was back to his Liverpool form today and he was a touch above.

"The other players have got a lift from him.

"It's about having players running in behind for him and Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings were untouchable at times today too.

"When Phil is in the mood, he's a world class player.

"He probably finished my career a couple of years early - he's the reason I've got screws in my knees and groins!"

Gerrard spent two-and-a-half years playing alongside Coutinho before the Anfield legend ultimately ended his playing career with LA Galaxy.

The Brazil international stayed at Liverpool until January 2018 when he moved to Barcelona for a British record £142m.

And Villa striker Ollie Watkins has admitted that being in the same team as a player of Coutinho's quality has taken some getting used to.

"Sometimes he thinks too quickly for you, so I have to go off his body movement and sometimes I've gone the opposite way," the England striker said.

"He's too sharp - he thinks quicker than anyone else.”