Aston Villa supporters may be left disappointed after seeing their side drop two points against Leeds United, but they will be purring about the performances from their very own Jacob Ramsey and Philippe Coutinho.
In a sensational game at Villa Park, that finished 3-3, the duo were instrumental going forward as Ramsey netted twice which brought immense praise from his manager, Steven Gerrard.
The game had it all, goals, brilliant pieces of individual displays, a red card and chances throughout.
While Leeds will be thrilled to come away with a point having been two goals down, the hosts will be very disappointed to have conceded the goals they did.
With that said, going forward, Gerrard’s side were phenomenal and largely thanks to Coutinho and Ramsey with the latter being awarded the man-of-the-match award.
For Villa fans it looks set to be a very promising partnership with the Brazilian setting up both of the 20-year-old’s goals, who also did the same recently when Ramsey set up Coutinho’s first goal in Villa colours, in the 2-2 draw against Manchester United in mid January.
Given the academy product is learning under one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, comparisons have inevitably been drawn between the two.
However, speaking to BT Sport post match, Gerrard played down those talks and insisted that Ramsey is ‘not following in anyone’s footsteps’.
“Listen he’s not following in anyone’s footsteps, Jacob Ramsey is Jacob Ramsey,” the Liverpool legend said.
“He’s going to be a terrific player and it wont be to long before the whole country are watching him I’m sure because he’s in a top place.
“I know the level of England players, I’ve played with some of them, and watched many of them for many years and Jacob Ramsey is right up there let me tell you.”
With five goals in 20 league games this season, Ramsey is only going to get better, and Villa fans will be liking their lips as to what Gerrard will be able to do with him in years to come.
Another who is bound to help Ramsey’s progression is Coutinho, who is showing the form he used to produce at Anfield.
Since signing for the club on loan from Barca, the little magician has been spraying his star dust at Villa park.
It was once again on display against Marcelo Bielsa’s side whose captain Luke Ayling, was glad to see the back of him when he was substituted off with 12 minutes to play.
“No! Na, we worked hard to get here so when you come up against players like that it’s a good learning curve,” the Leeds man said on whether he enjoyed playing against the Brazilian.
“But I stuck to my task and I felt I did alright as the game went on.”
As well as highlighting Ramsey’s performance, Gerrard was keen to praise his former Liverpool teammate who he believes is getting back to his best, if he already hasn’t.
“It was vintage Philippe Coutinho tonight,” the Villa boss added.
“He’s certainly getting back close to where he was many years ago when the world was speaking about him.
“Some of his creativity, two assists, his finish tonight, There was a lot to be pleased about in terms of our forward-play and creating and scoring.
“He’s still got improvements to do from a physical point of view but in terms of his technical ability you don’t play for Brazil that many times or become a global superstar without that talent.
“He will get better and better. He is a joy to work with.”
If those words by Gerrard come true, then Premier League defences are set to be put to the sword by the Brazilian who produced very impressive numbers against Leeds.
The playmaker produced the most assists and dribbles produced in the match according to Squawka, and had 80% passing accuracy which is especially significant, as he usually attempts passes that opens up defences.
Even more impressively though were his defensive numbers as Coutinho registered three ball recoveries and won four duels.
Things are definitely on the up for Villa, whose fans will be looking forward to seeing what Gerrard can do for them for the rest of the season and beyond.
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