Douglas Luiz proves worth for Aston Villa in terrific first half showing v Bournemouth
Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz proved his worth to Unai Emery once again with a terrific first-half showing against Bournemouth at Villa Park on Saturday [18 March].
The Villans entered the match in great form since Emery’s appointment in November picking up 23 points from a possible 48 available and looking to secure a top-half finish.
And the hosts took a deserved early lead through the Brazilian netting his third goal of the campaign after brilliant work from Leon Bailey in the box to provide the Brazilian with an easy tap-in.
The home side were certainly made to work in the first half after some good openings from the Cherries soon after their goal, but Emery can certainly be proud of the performance of his Brazilian maestro whose importance to the team grows stronger every passing week.
Luiz proved crucial for the Villans once again as he has been all season as the club’s top creator in the league with five assists and his importance in possession was evident again completing 20 of his 24 passes with a pass success rate of 75% [SofaScore].
With the West Midlands club regularly looking to build up from the back, Luiz’s assurance and composure in tight areas always prove crucial, currently possessing the club’s best record in terms of his passing with an 87.5% pass success rate [WhoScored].
The Brazilian also registered one key pass whilst also successfully completing two of his two dribbles and winning two fouls for his team. He wasn’t also telling on the ball but pivotal without it, winning four of his six ground duels.
With the club desperately looking to end the season on high with a top-half finish, Luiz’s continued brilliance in the middle of the park will prove crucial for Emery and the Villans throughout the rest of the campaign.
In other Aston Villa news, Dan Bardell admits one Villa loanee has “no pathway” under Unai Emery, with a recent signing being the final blow.