Emery told to cut ties with £17million Aston Villa flop who’s not pulling his weight

Former Aston Villa man Gabby Agbonlahor thinks the club should “cut their losses” with Philippe Coutinho, as he’s not giving Unai Emery a headache” for selection.

The prospect of Coutinho at Villa was an exciting one initially. A former £142million transfer joining the club was a huge move, even if only on loan to start with.

He couldn’t have started any better either. He scored twice and assisted twice in his first three games, including a goal against Manchester United on debut.

The Brazilian finished last season with five goals and three assists in 19 league games. That return seemed cause for a permanent signing, which Villa made on the cheap, at just £17million.

This season, Coutinho has been a shell of his former self, though. His only goal contribution in 22 games in all competitions was a goal in a 4-2 loss against Arsenal in February.

It’s little surprise that he’s started just seven times all season, and has hardly featured under Emery.

Indeed, he’s shown very few signs of forcing his way into a side who are on an upwards trajectory.

Villa are now sixth in the Premier League, having undergone a major rise under Emery. A lot of players seem to have been completely transformed under the Spaniard.

Agbonlahor tells Villa to ‘cut losses’ with Coutinho

With Coutinho not pulling his weight, former Villan Agbonlahor thinks it’s time to go.

“I think it’s time for Villa to cut their losses,” he told Football Insider.

“He’s had a couple of decent games this season, but when he’s out of the side – no one is talking about him.

“He’s not giving Unai Emery a headache.”

Indeed, the lack of impact the Brazilian has made is stark in contrast with the performances of some players.

Agbonlahor has used Emi Buendia – who operates in the same areas as Coutinho – as an example of a player who is proving his worth.

“Buendia is getting consecutive games now and he’s showing he can get goals and assists – something Coutinho hasn’t done,” Agbonlahor added.

The attacking-midfielder has scored five goals and assisted one this season – much better returns than Coutinho’s.

Move away best for Coutinho

Agbonlahor also feels it would not only be best for Villa, but also for Coutinho, that he moves on.

“This transfer hasn’t worked, and I think it’d be best for him to go and play week-in, week-out while he still can,” he said.

The Brazilian is 30 years of age, and should still be effective for a few more seasons. With things drying up at Villa, Agbonlahor’s shout for him to try his hand somewhere else is not a bad one.

Coutinho was reportedly on the radar of Flamengo in November. Whether or not they would still be interested in the summer remains to be seen.

However, he’ll surely have suitors somewhere, given what he’s done in his career, despite a current rough patch.

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