Philippe Coutinho has wasted little time since joining Aston Villa on loan from Barcelona, scoring on his debut and impressing in the recent 3-3 draw with Leeds United.
The Brazilian returned to the Premier League for the first time since 2018, enjoying a reunion with former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard in the process after an underwhelming few years at Camp Nou, and has admitted he missed the competition in which he made his name at Anfield.
Coutinho finished the Leeds game with a goal and two assists, with Jacob Ramsey the beneficiary on both occasions as Gerrard's side opened up a 3-1 lead before being forced to settle for a point.
And Ramsey, who doesn't turn 21 until May, has already left his mark on his new teammate after just a handful of games in the same side.
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"He's very young and he's playing really well," Coutinho told Sky Sports (via 90min ), describing Ramsey as a "top player".
"I really enjoy playing with him and with all my team-mates. If I can help him, I will try to do my best. For sure, he has a great future.
"We didn't speak too much yet. I just arrived here, my English has to improve but on the pitch, I'm trying to connect with all my team-mates and I hope I can help my team here."
Ramsey is one of a number of academy talents to earn first team minutes since Gerrard took over from Dean Smith, and his double against Leeds brought him up to five goals this season.
The midfielder was joined on the pitch by 18-year-old substitute Carney Chukwumeka, while fellow youngsters Tim Iroegbunam and Ben Chrisene were among the unused subs.
Birmingham-born Ramsey had made his Villa debut at the age of 17, when the club was still in the Championship, and scored his first goal for his hometown club in October against Arsenal.
Gerrard spoke highly of his January signing after his performance in the last game, saying “It was vintage Philippe Coutinho," having earlier refused to be drawn on whether a permanent move might be forthcoming at the end of the season.
“He seems happy, we have given the stage to go and enjoy his football again," Gerrard said.
“His vision and his awareness, if you don’t love watching that you should stop watching football.”
He also suggested it won't be long before Ramsey earns his first senior England call-up after making a number of appearances for Lee Carsley's under-21 side.
“It is only a matter of time in my opinion," Gerrard argued.
“He is getting stronger and better every game. People are going to be watching.”
