Aston Villa midfielder Philippe Coutinho has looked “unbelievably out of form” since making his move from Barcelona to Villa Park permanent this summer.
That is according to journalist George Elek, who was speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast about his thoughts on the Villa midfielder.
Coutinho initially joined Villa on loan until the end of last season in January, and the 30-year-old midfielder made an almost immediate impact, scoring the equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Manchester United in his first appearance for the club.
The 69-time Brazil international went on to enjoy a positive end to the season, scoring five goals and providing three assists according to Transfermarkt.
However, since his £17m move to Villa Park was made permanent, the former Liverpool midfielder has not been able to quite reach the same heights as he did during his initial loan spell.
And Elek believes that Coutinho is a player low on confidence at the present time.
“I think with Coutinho especially, he looks unbelievably out of form and out of sorts, so different to the player that came in January last season and really reinvigorated Villa and looked like he was the Coutinho of old – the Coutinho of Liverpool playing for a Villa side.
“Cynics would suggest that now he’s got his contract, he looks like he’s happy just to float in and out of games and he looks very short of confidence.”
TIF Thoughts on Elek’s comments
We think that Coutinho’s form is particularly concerning for manager Steven Gerrard, who will be all too aware of the £125k-per-week that the Brazilian is rumoured to be earning from the club.
At the age of 30, it’s not as if the former Inter man has much resale value, therefore the club will be desperate for him to regain his form so they are getting their money’s worth out of the player.
We therefore think that Coutinho’s form may be something that defines Gerrard’s future at the club, as well as something which may have a massive impact on Villa’s success this season.