Sean Fisher

Wed 14 September 2022 22:39, UK

Philippe Coutinho will still travel with Brazil to the World Cup despite his poor form for Aston Villa, says Tim Vickery.

Despite impressing at Villa Park last season during his loan spell, Coutinho has failed to replicate the form that wowed the Aston Villa faithful this season.

In his six appearances for the Villans this season, the Brazilian playmaker has failed to register a goal or assist. His dreadful start to the campaign has now seen him evicted from the Brazil squad.

Brazil coach Tite opted to leave the 30-year-old out of his side just months before the start of the World Cup, but journalist Vickery still thinks Coutinho will appear in the tournament this winter.

Speaking on the OffTheBall Podcast, Vickery said: “Philippe Coutinho is an absolute favourite of Brazil’s coach Tite.

“He’s been left out of the squad. Does that mean he’s not going to the World Cup? I doubt it.

“I should think it’s a little bit of dynamite being placed, just to try and whip him out of a disappointing start to the season.”

Class is permanent

Vickery is right – while Coutinho has dropped far below his usual standard this season, his talent is undeniable and he’ll no doubt be involved in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup.

Coutinho has made a slow start to the season at Villa Park, but who hasn’t? The side in general has failed to get going under Steven Gerrard so far in the Premier League, and Coutinho is just one of a number of underperforming players.

As one of the more experienced players in Gerrard’s squad, Coutinho will rightfully be expected to help lead the team out of their poor vein of form, but he has all the tools to do so – especially as he is now fighting for his place in the national team.

As the saying goes – form is temporary, but class is permanent. Coutinho oozes class and will be back to his glorious best at Villa Park before long.

In other Aston Villa news, Keinan Davis has been left frustrated at his nightmare start to loan spell