‘It reminds me of Liverpool’; Gerrard style lauded but Newcastle pulling power worries ex-Red
Jose Enrique has hailed the influence of Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa but feels he might struggle to keep Philippe Coutinho if Newcastle come calling.
Gerrard was handed the Villa reins on November 11, replacing Dean Smith at the helm. There was an immediate ‘bounce’, with four league wins from six outings. Defeat to Chelsea and Brentford followed but an encouraging 2-2 draw with Manchester United preceded a 1-0 triumph over Everton last time out.
But it is not just on the pitch that the West Midlanders standing has improved. Gerrard’s status as a legend of the Premier League has attracted players to Villa Park.
In addition to Coutinho’s loan spell, Lucas Digne joined from Everton while Calum Chambers arrived from Arsenal. Goalkeeper Robin Olson is also on board, with rumours of further deals before the window closes.
Enrique played with Gerrard during a five-year stint at Liverpool. And the 36-year-old believes that his former colleague has been the catalyst for Villa’s resurgence.
“Gerrard’s done an incredible job – the way he’s playing, it reminds me of Liverpool,” he told FourFourTwo. “It’s high-intensity football and I love that.
“They have a good team and bringing in someone like Steven Gerrard. Listen, you would never get a player like Philippe Coutinho if you don’t have Stevie there.
“Aston Villa got a great deal for a player of Coutinho’s quality, there. He’s one of the best players in the world in that position if he’s fit and performing like he did at Liverpool.
“Signing players like Coutinho will bring more players of that quality to the club.”
Coutinho vulnerable to Newcastle approach
Enrique began his career in England with four years at St James’ Park. It is now a vastly different club following the Saudi-backed takeover.
The Spaniard feels Coutinho might stay at Villa if things go well. But he is concerned that the Magpies will flex their muscles once again to lure him to Tyneside.
“I know Coutinho personally and I know that if he does well for the club and he is happy at Aston Villa, he will be able to sign there,” he added. “I don’t know the deal, I’m not his agent but I believe if he is happy, it is a possibility.
“But if he does really well for Aston Villa, Newcastle stay in the Premier League and they come for Coutinho, Villa can’t do anything to stop that. What Newcastle can offer, money-wise, Aston Villa can’t.”
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