Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard might have hung up his boots after a distinguished career but astonished Lucas Digne has been left in awe of the Liverpool legend during training.
The capture of Brazilian international Philippe Coutinho on from Barcelona has created plenty of excitement at Villa Park.
But Digne, who Villa snapped for £25m from Everton last month, claimed Liverpool legend Gerrard has made him stand back and stare at their Bodymoor Heath training base.
Villa head into their Premier League game with Leeds with the 28-year-old adamant the ex-England skipper, 41, looks more like a current player than the man in charge of the club.
Gerrard was a huge factor behind France international Digne quitting former club Everton after a row with ex-boss Rafa Benitez.
How would Aston Villa have fared if Steven Gerrard played for them at this peak? Have your say in the comments...
“He sometimes takes part in the training sessions," Digne said.
“He has lost nothing. He’s still really amazing and his passes are incredible.
“I grew up in France watching him as a player. He is not only a legend in England. Everybody knows his name.
“He was a massive reason I came here. He presented me with the project for the club and how it wanted to be up near the top of the league.”
Coutinho's arrival at Villa Park stunned the football world as the pulling power of Gerrard secured a huge coup.
Although Digne was less-fazed than most having spent time with the midfield star during his time at Barcelona.
“I knew him before he came here and, for me, it’s a big pleasure to play with him again,” Digne added.
“He is just an unbelievable player. He has so much quality and has that magic touch.”
Digne was struck by a bottle thrown from the Goodison Park faithful when he made his first return to Everton in January.
It happened after made his way across the pitch to take a corner in front of Everton fans still presumably reeling from his shock departure to Villa Park earlier this month.
Digne's relationship with the Everton fanbase was notably strong while he was a Toffees player, with his exit stemming from a fall-out with Benitez who has since been sacked from his post.
The defender penned a touching tribute to his former fans in the wake of his departure while also sending a shot in the direction of his former boss.
Rejuvenated under Gerrard, Digne hopes to push his claims for a World Cup place later this year after suffering massive disappointments in recent years.
He missed the 23-man cut for the 2018 World Cup despite being first choice until the March and then suffered heartache in the Euros after injury in France’s 2-2 draw with Portugal ended his participation after just seven minutes.
He added: “The World Cup is a target for players all over the world. Disappointments happen in all sports - I accept that. It’s part of your career.”
