Alan Hutton: Douglas Luiz clearly believes in Aston Villa project
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park.
Alan Hutton feels Douglas Luiz is clearly invested in the project at Aston Villa after the Brazilian signed a new long-term contract at the club.
The 24-year-old put pen to paper on 14 October to end speculation surrounding his future at the club, with Arsenal previously being admirers of the midfielder.
Hutton has suggested Luiz is clearly content with the ambition at Villa Park with the appointment of Unai Emery being the latest statement of intent.
“With the Brazilian signing his new contract not too long ago it would make you think that if they were going to sell him it would be for big money,” Hutton exclusively told Villa News.
“He’s obviously bought into it, he’s signed a deal and he’s seen what the owners want to do moving forward and they’ve brought in a guy with European experience.
“You just look at some of the teams he’s worked under and players he’s worked with. There’s no getting away from this being a big job. It’s a complete mentality shift.
“We’ve seen there more than capable against Brentford but then we’ve also seen what can happen against Newcastle. He’s going to have to go in there and change a lot and stamp his authority onto this team in order for them to challenge for the European places.”
Emery faces a baptism of fire after taking the reigns at Villa Park with back-to-back fixtures against Manchester United in league and cup.
The Spaniard then faces a trip to the South Coast as his side travel to Brighton looking to put some much-needed points on the board before the World Cup break.
In other Aston Villa news, Unai Emery was handed the longest managerial contract in Aston Villa history