Irishmirror.ie/sport
ASTON VILLA lost an idol when Jack Grealish quit.
But now, not only do they have a new hero in Philippe Coutinho, the West Midlands club also appear to be developing their latest homegrown superstar in Jacob Ramsey.
Such was the way Coutinho and Ramsey, 20, combined in the first half of the 3-3 draw with Leeds on Wednesday that team-mate John Mcginn called it a “masterclass”.
Villa’s slow start to the season cost Dean Smith his job after Grealish activated his release clause to move to Manchester City for a record £100million in the summer.
Grealish is yet to find his stride at City. He has been in and out of the team and has just two Premier League goals and two assists.
Coutinho, who joined Villa on loan from Barcelona last month, has already matched that after three games.
The former Liverpool star has taken Grealish’s old position on the left of an attacking three and, after scoring on his debut against Manchester United, he was on target again against Leeds.
The Brazilian then teed up Ramsey (right) to score both Villa’s other goals.
It left boss Steven Gerrard, who used to play with Coutinho at Anfield, and Villa fans drooling, despite the hosts blowing a 3-1 lead. Midfielder Mcginn said:
“We put ourselves in a brilliant position with a
Coutinho and Jacob masterclass in that first half.
“It was amazing. What we have in Jacob is legs and what he is adding now is exceptional – goals, assists and he is really turning into a top player. “When he combines with Phil, it is a bit mental, a superstar linking up with a local boy.
“It was a pleasure to watch and hopefully they can continue to combine and get us wins instead of draws. It is an exciting time to be part of Villa.”
Gerrard’s side, who have a £33m option
this summer to buy Coutinho, return to action at big-spending Newcastle on Sunday.
The Toon have won successive games to climb out of the drop zone after defeating Everton on Tuesday.
The visitors will be without defender Ezri Konsa, who was sent off for two bookings against Leeds.
It saw Calum Chambers come on for his debut and he is now primed for his first start for the club since a January move from Arsenal.
Mcginn said: “Ezri is angry and he will be a miss on Sunday, but we have Calum, who will slot in nicely.
“We watched the Newcastle game. They have a lot of new players and a new owner.
“They will have a spring in their steps but it is up to us not to get sucked into the noise in the stadium and try to play with our heads.”