Emiliano Buendia has rubbished suggestions that he and Philippe Coutinho cannot play together at Aston Villa and reveals he is looking forward to linking up with the Brazilian.
Coutinho completed a loan deal at Villa from Barcelona for the rest of the season this week and could turn out for the Midlands club in their Premier League clash against Manchester United on Saturday.
The 29-year-old's profile as an attacking midfielder who can play out wide has created claims that Coutinho will be rivalling £40million summer signing Buendia for a starting spot in Steven Gerrard's team.
But Buendia has hailed Coutinho's 'quality' and admits he is looking forward to learning off the Brazilian international.
'Of course, a top, top player,' Buendia told Sky Sports when asked about Coutinho. 'He has shown his quality during his whole career - he was the best player at Liverpool.
'He has shown what he can do in this league. He can bring a lot of quality to the squad and to the games, so it's a really good opportunity for everyone here to play with him.
'Obviously, we are similar players, we want to create and dribble - but we can play together with our team's style and formation. We are quite flexible to play in different roles and positions.
'So yes, we can play together and I hope to, because I can learn a lot from a player like him.'
The next few months will be crucial for Buendia, who is looking to seal a spot in Argentina's World Cup squad at the end of the year.
The 25-year-old is yet to be capped by his country but has received a couple of squad call-ups - and is relishing the chance to play alongside Lionel Messi at a major tournament.
'Of course I want the opportunity to play in the national team with players like Messi - for me, he's the best player in the world,' Buendia added. 'I've trained with him twice when involved with the national team.
'But I'm really looking forward to being involved again. It's a great year because we have the World Cup, and I'm really working hard to do my best at the club and then, hopefully, having another chance with Argentina.'
Pubciklmst
1
The headlines say he and coutinho cannot play together 😓 but the news saying different AF on the go
Alfies_jay
0
what happened to buendia?
He’s still playing championship football! Lmao
Alfies_jay
0
Shame on you Emi buendia, you refused to come to Arsenal so now you will cry with your eyes
Haha...my thoughts exactly!
Alfies_jay
4
Arsenal dodged a bullet with Buendia!
George Opoku
0
Coutinho is a January born I think 😣
Hutbcmtuy
1
messi
Brenden92
2
what worry him if he is not a 10
Marlin12
1
Emiliano is another.. up and coming Star player.. relishing the chance.. to play along side a.. Champions League.. Winner.. knowing he already trained.. with one of greatest.. to ever win the 🏆
Javimor
1
Buendia’s natural position is on the right I don’t see how Coutinho will affect that
wamdiknpr
2
Shame on you Emi buendia, you refused to come to Arsenal so now you will cry with your eyes
Nohabiortz
1
what happened to buendia?
vecabcky
1
don’t blame coutinho if you not called by Argentina national coach,he doesn’t have nothing to do when you are left out by Argentina coach.
maurice11
2
Nice job by Steven Gerrard for bringing in Coutinho