View: Douglas Luiz signed for Aston Villa three years ago today – now it’s time for him to sign again
Aston Villa unveiled the signing of then-promising Brazilian youth international Douglas Luiz from Manchester City three years ago today.
Despite Villa being forced to make a dramatic late escape to avoid relegation, Luiz had an outstanding first season in claret and blue.
He scored an outrageous long-range goal against Bournemouth on his home debut and an important equaliser in a relegation six-pointer against Watford as he cemented himself as a Villa star.
Both Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard used Luiz in a deeper role going forward and unsurprisingly his form took a hit.
However, the time is now right for Villa to give him a new contract and restore him to his favoured and more natural position.
Different times
Villa’s initial decision to use him as a defensive midfielder was one of necessity, coming after Marvelous Nakamba’s spotty form in 2020.
Smith used him in a holding role after Project Restart and he excelled as Villa secured survival, so he kept using him there going into the new season.
However, as time has gone on it has become increasingly obvious that Luiz is not suited to the defensive role and is far more effective further forward.
Villa signed Boubacar Kamara to hold down the defensive midfielder berth this summer, which frees Luiz up to challenge John McGinn for a more advanced role.
His range of passing and ability on the ball means he is suited perfectly for the more attacking role in the team, but he will be held back by his contract situation.
The Brazilian has entered the last year of his contract and while transfer talk has died down, there is also no talk of a new contract.
Gerrard will naturally be concerned of becoming too reliant on a player that could leave for nothing at the end of the season, so that will need to be sorted quickly.
However, if Villa could sort that contract out then they could stand to benefit greatly from a rejuvenated Luiz.
In other Aston Villa news, Wesley has completed his loan move to Levante.