Philippe Coutinho has added to the avalanche of praise directed towards Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, days after Steven Gerrard hinted he's heading towards an England call-up.
The 20-year-old has been in sensational form for Villa that season but has taken his game to a new level since the January arrival of Coutinho on loan from Barcelona. Ramsey has three goals in his last three games, two of which were assisted by the Brazilian.
Shouts for an England call-up for Ramsey have been growing progressively louder and now Coutinho has heaped praise of his own on his young teammate.
"He's a top player," Coutinho told Sky Sports. "He's very young and he's playing really well. 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.
"In the last game, we will feel like we could've won at the end, but I think the team played well. We gave everything, we enjoyed the game so we want to give the best for our fans and of course we work hard for that."
Coutinho's words come just days after Villa manager Steven Gerrard insisted that Ramsey will be in the England setup in the very near future if he maintains his current level.
"I know the level of the England players, I’ve been around it, and have enough experience to know it’s only a matter of time but let’s all be sensible and keep calm about it," Gerrard said.
"I want him to make his own headlines with his football. He is a top talent, I’m loving every moment of working with him. He is getting stronger with each game because we’re giving him the platform to express himself. He is in a wonderful place."
Source : 90min