More goals than Grealish! Coutinho continues to baffle Barca fans with his form

Aston Villa fans were on cloud nine on Saturday as their side thumped Southampton 4-0 in the Premier League thanks to another tremendous performance from Philippe Coutinho.

The on-loan Barcelona star popped up with a crucial assist just before half time, when he played in Douglas Luiz to convert the chance and double Villa lead over the Saints.

Then, just seven minutes into the second half, the Brazilian attacking midfielder bagged a goal of his own when he pounded on a loose ball inside the box, beat the keeper and fired a low shot in the middle of the net.

To the delight of the Villa Park faithful, this has by no means been Coutinho’s only impressive performance in the claret and blue of their club.

Six goals and assists in seven games

Indeed, while the midfielder raised a number of eyebrows in January when he agreed to draw a line under his time at the Camp Nou with a return to the Premier League, Coutinho has proved his doubters wrong by not only hitting the ground running in the English top flight but by absolutely thriving in Steven Gerrard’s side.

Of course, the 29-year-old playmaker made an immediate impression with his new club when he came on as a substitute for his debut against Manchester United and scored a goal to help Villa claim an important point.

Then, just a few weeks later, Coutinho bagged a goal and two assists to ensure Gerrard’s side picked up another important point in their 3-3 draw with Leeds United.

Although the Brazilian was unable to add to his tally in the following three games, Saturday’s performance against Southampton means that Coutinho now has three goals and three assists from his first seven games for Villa.

Not only is that impressive on its own, but it also suggests that the attacking midfielder is now averaging a goal or assist for Villa every 87 minutes. Which is a remarkable return for any player, let alone one that has been sidelined for so long by his parent club.