Philippe Coutinho’s struggles at Aston Villa continued with another poor performance in the club’s loss to Bournemouth last weekend.
The Brazilian started at Villa Park initially arriving on loan but has scored or assisted just one goal in his last ten starts.
Coutinho made his permanent return to the Premier League this summer after leaving Barcelona and expectations around him were high.
The 30-year-old was expected to be the marquee man under Steven Gerrard’s new Villa who could propel them into the top half this term.
Still, Coutinho struggled to win against Bournemouth and will need to improve quickly if he is to be a success in Bordeaux and Blue.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Gameday conference call, Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor said: “The big disappointment was Coutinho.
“He was brought in by Steven Gerrard and he was non-existent and didn’t really grab the ball.
“He has to dominate the games. He keeps a new signing from last year in Emi Buendia on the bench, so he has to take games by the scruff of the neck, get on the ball, make things happen.
“He had a shot in the second half and it went horribly wide and you think it’s not Coutinho.
“Steven Gerrard has confidence in him but how long can you keep playing him? He’s not getting the numbers he needs to play in that position.
Luckily for Villa, Coutinho could be about to turn the page when he takes on favorite opponent Everton in the club’s next outing this weekend, live on talkSPORT.
The ‘little magician’ proved a threat to the Toffees during his five-year spell at fierce rivals Liverpool.
Coutinho has been involved in four goals in his last three league starts at home to Everton with 2 goals and assists each.
He featured in Villa’s 1-0 win at Goodison Park earlier this year but had to wait half a decade to face the Toffees again in a home draw.
Coutinho’s last game against Everton saw him score and assist in a 3-1 win for Liverpool in April 2017.
Fans inside Anfield were on hand to witness his magic that day – it’s time for those who flock to Villa Park to see what it was all about…
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