“They’re both very comfortable on the ball” – Noel Whelan names 2 Aston Villa players who have improved the most under Steven Gerrard

Aston Villa seem to be finding their mojo under Steven Gerrard, with the Villans having bagged convincing victories in each of their last three Premier League games. Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has named two players who have improved the most under their new manager.

According to the Noel Whelan Englishman, John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey have both taken their games to an incredible level since Steven Gerrard took charge of affairs at Aston Villa. The English showered praise on the midfield duo during an interview with Football Insider and said:

“Steven Gerrard has added another dimension to them. He’s got an abundance of quality in the midfield in that midfield area, hasn’t he? I think when you look at their shape, their style, the way the play in that midfield area, they’re all competitive. Ramsey’s got an engine, McGinn’s got an engine, they’re both very comfortable on the ball."

“They can drive through into that midfield area to get into attacking positions. I mean, it’s like they have the perfect midfield two, haven’t they? With the added magician of Coutinho, it’s just formidable that midfield."

In addition to John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey, Philippe Coutinho has also impressed many with his eye-catching performances for Aston Villa. The Brazilian is at Villa Park on loan from Barcelona and he's wasted no time in making his impact felt.

So far, the playmaker has made eight appearances for the Villans across all competitions, bagging four goals and three assists. Noel Whelan believes the Brazilian is the missing piece Steven Gerrard needed to light things up in his midfield. He said:

“I think Coutinho’s probably that missing piece. They are now going in the direction I thought they should have been at the beginning of the season.”

John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey tackling Arsenal's Albert Lokonga (middle) during an EPL game in October

Steven Gerrard's record as Aston Villa manager so far

Since being appointed by the club in November last year, the former Liverpool midfielder has been in charge of 17 games so far. He has a record of eight victories, two draws and seven defeats as Villa manager.

However, it is worth noting that Gerrard's team have improved in recent weeks, winning their last three Premier League games in a row. As it stands, the Villans occupy the ninth position in the table with 36 points in 27 games.