Aston Villa player is NT manager’s ‘trusted man’ – ‘Has priority’ for World Cup squad

Aston Villa made Philippe Coutinho’s stay permanent in the summer, after having initially signed him on a loan deal from Barcelona in January.

The attacking midfielder has struggled to impress for the English club this season as he has failed to score a goal or register an assist from 13 matches in all competitions.

Coutinho’s poor form for Aston Villa has led to suggestions his place in the Brazil squad could be in danger for the 2022 World Cup.

Éverton Ribeiro is the 30-year-old’s competitor in the national team and Tite has been urged to pick him over the ex-Liverpool man.

This is backed up by Coluna do Fla, who state the Flamengo star is experiencing one of his best seasons in his country. He has scored seven goals and registered 10 assists in all competitions.

Éverton starred for his side in their success in the Copa do Brasil final against Corinthians, and his performances could help him get closer to the national team squad for the upcoming FIFA tournament, ahead of the Villans player.

However, Coluna do Fla suggest Éverton is not guaranteed a spot in the Brazil squad for the World Cup.

That’s because Coutinho is Tite’s ‘trusted man’, a ‘man of confidence’, and therefore, ‘has priority’.

This means the Aston Villa man could be picked ahead of Éverton to represent the Seleção in Qatar despite his struggles in the Premier League this season.