Thiago Motta might have just shown Aston Villa what they could have had as Douglas Luiz excelled again for Juventus.
When Aston Villa parted ways with Douglas Luiz at the start of the summer, many understood the task Unai Emery would have to replace the midfielder.
The Brazilian joined Juventus as part of a swap deal, leaving behind a significant void at Villa Park that is yet to be filled tactically.
Luiz was in action for the second time representing the Bianconeri on Tuesday evening, where he played a role that might give Emery nightmares.
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Former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz shone again for Juventus
Following on from securing an assist during his first cameo for Juventus against Brest, Luiz played 90 minutes for his new club against Juventus’ Next Gen side.
The Brazil international secured another assist as he dazzled in midfield, as Thiago Motta experimented with the former Villa man’s position.
Against the academy side, Motta fielded Luiz in the number 10 role ahead of a deeper midfield pivot comprised of Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram.
Playing Luiz in a more advanced position worked wonders for Juventus, with his performance being described as “very free” by journalist Elvin De Fazio.
Plenty of footage of the ex-Villa ace’s performance circulated on X after Juve’s 4-0 victory, giving Emery a headache over what he could have had if the midfielder did not leave this summer.
Luiz playing the number 10 role will haunt Unai Emery
Last month, Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas hinted that Emery was hoping to sign a number 10 before deadline day.
It’s clear that Villa require a playmaker in the squad, with plenty of figures able to play central midfield but equally, plenty lacking that difference-making creative brilliance.
As seen on Tuesday, Luiz had all the tools in his locker to be that figure for Emery, which could haunt Villa in the season ahead given what they lost in the Brazilian.
It’s even more of a concern for the Midlands club given who they have brought in this summer, signing three midfielders of a similar profile, all without a playmaking spark as dazzling as Luiz’s.
The Spaniard realised what Luiz could offer in the final third at Villa, as he contributed to 26 Premier League goals over the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns.
It’s alarming for Emery as he wasn’t able to play the midfielder in the attacking midfield role due to Villa’s lack of options further back, which his business this summer could have permitted.
Given how much the squad lacked creativity in pre-season, it’s painful to see Luiz unleashed as Motta’s playmaker in Turin, with a thought to what could have been this year.
