Aston Villa attacker Philippe Coutinho could leave the club if he fails to impress new manager Unai Emery, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Coutinho having a poor season

The Brazilian made a flying start to life in a Villa shirt last season but there is no denying that he has been a long way from his best so far in 2022/23.

Coutinho has failed to register a single goal or assist in 12 appearances in the Premier League this campaign, struggling to impact matters in the way he used to.

Emery has now replaced Steven Gerrard in the Villa Park hot seat and this could now be a key period in the former Liverpool man's career.

The Latest: Journalist unsure over future

That's certainly the opinion of Jones, who told Give Me Sport that he could see Coutino being shipped off if he doesn't fit into Emery's style of play:

"Coutinho is the obvious one. It’s hit or miss now. He will either fly under Emery or that’s the end and I’m quite worried for him if it’s the end.

"If this is another high-profile coach who struggles to get a tune out of Coutinho on a regular basis, you have to wonder what his career holds from here."

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The Verdict: Needs to do much more

Considering the natural ability he possesses, Coutinho has to be doing far more in a Villa shirt if he is to convince Emery that he is worth persevering with, having been described as 'unbelievable' by Roberto Firmino.

Too often, the 30-year-old finds himself on the periphery of games and his lack of end product is evident when looking at his aforementioned statistics this season.

The ball is very much in Coutinho's court, however, and if he can go up a level and prove to Emery that he is a key player moving forward, there is no reason why he can't thrive for the Villans for several years to come.