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Steven Gerrard expects Philippe Coutinho to 'go up another level' next season after the Brazilian playmaker completed a permanent £17m move to Aston Villa from Barcelona

Boss Steven Gerrard backed Philippe Coutinho to get even better after the playmaker joined Aston Villa permanently.

The forward has penned a four-year deal at Villa Park following a £17million switch from Barcelona.

He joined on loan in January and has four goals in 16 appearances, with Gerrard expecting the Brazil international to improve.

Philippe Coutinho has completed a permanent switch to Aston Villau00a0from Barcelona

Philippe Coutinho has completed a permanent switch to Aston Villa from Barcelona

'To have him here full-time and settled, he'll go up another level because that feeling of knowing where he's going to be playing his football for the next four years will help him settle,' the Villa manager said.