Liverpool legend John Aldridge has declared Philippe Coutinho a "genius".

Aldo wrote in the Liverpool Echo: "Make no mistake, we have signed a player here.

"His contribution at Villa Park was decisive, and thrilling.

"It's easy to get carried away when a new player comes into a team. We've seen players sparkle and fade at Anfield in the past of course - remember El-Hadji Diouf's Anfield debut? - but this lad looks the real deal.

"He still has a bit of work to do on his physique and his stamina, and pre-season will be important in his development, but in terms of his work on the ball he's a genius."