Philippe Coutinho impressing despite Aston Villa’s unexpected poor form

Coutinho reunited with Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa when he made the move to the Premier League last summer and has impressed fans so far.

The Brazilian has two goals and two assists in five appearances, including a dramatic equaliser only 13 minutes into his debut against Manchester United.

When Coutinho returned to the Premier League he had hoped to recapture his form and play regular football - both of which he has got in Birmingham.

He had also hoped to join a club full of excitement and ambition.

The 29-year-old reportedly turned down a number of other clubs for Aston Villa because they certainly seemed to tick all the boxes, however the Premier League side have struggled for points since Coutinho’s arrival.

While the ex-Barcelona man has impressed fans and has added more of an attacking threat, Villa have only one win since he joined and are certainly enduring a tough patch.

Coutinho definitely hasn’t been perfect since the move, with his performance in the defeat to Newcastle United particularly disappointing.

However, it was clear ahead of his arrival that it wouldn’t all click together instantly and perhaps everything would begin to go as planned next season.

This would mean that Villa and the player himself would have to agree to make the move permanent - which seems increasingly likely.

One Villa star that undoubtedly has benefitted from Coutinho’s signing is Jacob Ramsey, who has been their best player since the turn of the year.

The young midfielder has five league goals this season - three of which have come in the six weeks since Coutinho’s debut.

Aston Villa face Brighton & Hove Albion on the south coast this weekend and will be hoping for a more positive result than previous - with Coutinho and Ramsey likely to play a vital role in any chance of three points,