ASTON VILLA’S new loan signing Philippe Coutinho has packed on more than a stone in muscle since his Liverpool days.
The skillful Brazilian’s time at Barcelona was a bit of a train wreck but he was clearly doing some serious gym work.
Philippe Coutinho’s physique has transformed drastically since this picture was taken in 2017 during his Liverpool days
Aston Villa’s new signing has since packed on more than a stone in muscle – as seen in this picture from August 2021
Coutinho has linked up with his old team-mate Steven Gerrard at Villa on loan until the end of the season.
He is expected to make his debut against Manchester United at Villa Park on Saturday.
The 29-year-old left Liverpool for Barcelona in a £142million switch in 2018.
His career has tailed off since having been farmed out to Bayern Munich on loan for 2019-20.
While in Germany he bagged a Champions League and a Bundesliga title.
And he also added several pounds of muscle.
The transformation was quite gradual for those who watched him week in week out.
But when pictures from August 2021 are compared with shots from his final few months at Anfield, the contrast is stark.
And Brazil boss Tite also commented on his dramatic change.
He said: “There’s a factor you have to bear in mind, Coutinho is a player who is very dedicated to the physical aspect.
“This is even more so after his spell at Bayern Munich.
“He gained several kilos of muscle mass. He’s improved a lot physically.”
