Steven Gerrard praises Philippe Coutinho after ‘vintage’ performance against Leeds

"It was vintage Philippe Coutinho."

Steven Gerrard was full of praise for Philippe Coutinho last night following his starring performance for Aston Villa against Leeds United. The Brazilian international won the man of the match award in the 3-3 draw which saw the midfielder get a goal and two assists. After Coutinho's display, it wouldn't be a surprise if Gerrard was to ask the Villa board to make his move permanent. The former Liverpool player is available for a cut-price transfer fee in the summer.

Steven Gerrard praises Philippe Coutinho's display against Leeds.

"He’s certainly getting back close to where he was when the world was speaking about him," Gerrard said following the thrilling Premier League game at Villa Park. "Some of his creativity, two assists, his finish tonight… How close he puts it to the post. His vision and his awareness. It was vintage Philippe Coutinho. "If you don't like watching Philippe Coutinho then you should stop watching football because that (performance) was absolutely beautiful," Gerrard stated. “He seems happy, we have given the stage to go and enjoy his football again." https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1491710561012391942 This is the second match the Barcelona loanee has lit up the Premier League since his return. Coutinho, 29, came off the bench against Man United for his debut and got a goal and an assist. According to reports, Villa can buy the Brazilian midfielder in the summer for €40m - almost €100m less than the fee Liverpool received from Barcelona for him four years ago. https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1491547531217674247

Coutinho's Barcelona situation.

In 2018, Coutinho moved to Barcelona for £142m (€168m). However, the fee paid did not translate into success. The Brazilian is contracted to the Catalonia side until the Summer of 2023. They have been trying to sell him since the summer of 2019, 18 months after he initially joined the club. However, the 29-year-old can reportedly join Villa for more than £100m less than he left Liverpool for four years ago, as Gerrard's team have an option to buy him at the end of his loan. A £33.7m (€40m) fee would see Coutinho join Gerrard's side on a permanent basis. Meanwhile, Villa's draw against Leeds leaves them in 11th place in the Premier League. Gerrard's side travels to St James' Park on Sunday to play Newcastle United in their next game.