Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has now claimed that out-on-loan Aston Villa player Philippe Coutinho is one of the best players he’s ever seen.
Gabriel was speaking to Arsenal about his favourite Brazilian players to watch from years gone by.
And perhaps to the surprise of some Aston Villa fans, Gabriel put Coutinho in the same bracket as the likes of Neymar and Ronaldo.
Gabriel said: “I like Neymar so I’m happy to be there with him, now he’s injured but he’s a good guy.
“I love to be there because I watched Neymar when I was younger.
“A lot of players, Marquinhos as well, Thiago Silva… I’m so happy to be there.
“After Ronaldo came to Corinthians, of course I watched him a lot and he’s a top player.
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“Coutinho is a top player and I’ve played with him as well for the national team.”
Of course, Unai Emery did make the decision to allow Philippe Coutinho to leave the club on loan this season.
Gabriel Magalhaes says Aston Villa loanee Philippe Coutinho is one of Brazil’s best
Coutinho played in 22 games for Aston Villa last season but appeared very little after Emery’s arrival.
And given the football and results Villa continue to achieve under Emery, few will question his decision to let the Brazilian leave this season.
The attacking midfielder’s arrival was intrinsically linked to Steven Gerrard’s management at the club.
And with Gerrard now managing in Saudi Arabia, fans may have pondered Coutinho’s future.
The 31-year-old is now playing his football in Qatar for Al-Duhail SC.
And although Gabriel Magalhaes loved watching Coutinho for Brazil, he’s unlikely to be lining up alongside the Aston Villa player any time soon.
Of course, Villa fans will now be focusing on the fortunes of their current internationals over the break.
Ezri Konsa’s excellent form was rewarded with an England call-up, and he’ll join Ollie Watkins in Gareth Southgate’s squad.
And despite having two players involved, one pundit now thinks that Villa should have a third player in the England set up.