Joe Cole says that it feels like his former teammate Steven Gerrard has been in management for ’20 or 30 years’ after a brilliant start at Aston Villa.
Gerrard, who played with Cole at Liverpool and internationally with England, has transformed a struggling Villa side into a team who could push for Europe this season.
Gerrard has been ‘brilliant’, according to ColeGetty
And Cole has been impressed with his fellow former midfielder, who feels like he is already a ‘seasoned’ coach.
“I played with Steve, I’ve known him a long time and when he does something, he does it with such intensity,” he told talkSPORT.
“Listening to him speak the other day, he just sounded like he’s been at this management game for about 20 or 30 years. He just seems so seasoned.
Cole also hailed the former Reds midfielder for his ability to attract some of the best players in Europe to the Midlands.
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Cole and Gerrard played together at Liverpool, as well as internationally with EnglandGETTY
Villa signed Barcelona star Phillipe Coutinho on loan and Lucas Digne permanently this week, something his former teammate doesn’t believe would have been possible without Gerrard’s influence.
Cole added: “Would Coutinho have looked at Villa as an option without Stevie there? Probably not. Lucas Digne too.
“They’re great signings and I think Villa will be the team to watch in the second half of the season.
Coutinho joined the club on loan from BarcaGetty
“I think it’s great for the English game that our outstanding players of yesteryear are now being given the opportunities to become great managers.
“He hasn’t put a foot wrong, and I think he’s been brilliant.”
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