Douglas Luiz performances for Aston Villa prove he is Brazil’s best option from the Premier League
Aston Villa have the best Brazilian midfielder in the league, so it’s only right that Douglas Luiz has finally earned himself a call up to the national team.
Luiz has been sensational this season but was somehow left out of the squad last month while the likes of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro got the nod ahead of him for their form in the same league.
But this month the 25-year-old has earned himself a recall, and the stats prove that manager Fernando Diniz has made the right decision this time around.
So far this season under the tutelage of Unai Emery Luiz has emerged as one of the best performing central midfielders in the Premier League, never mind out of the division’s Brazilian contingent.
But in case you needed further evidence to prove the point, WhoScored’s comparison feature backs us up.
Douglas Luiz has managed more tackles per game (2.4) than both of Newcastle’s Brazilian maestros (1.7 and 1.8), and only slightly less tha West Ham’s Paqueta (2.7). But he commits less fouls (1.2) and has made more blocks (0.5) per game.
When it comes to the attacking stats he’s been even more impressive. Luiz has managed five goals this season, which is more than all three of his compatriots combined and has managed as many assists also.
Luiz is also managing more shots per game and gets dispossessed less often than them, making him a more reliable outlet in the midfield and attacking third of the pitch.
When it comes to passing the ball too, he’s the best option by a country mile.
Luiz averages more average passes per game (61.7), has the best passing accuracy (88.7%), crosses the ball successfully more often and plays more successful through balls too.
It’s been a fantastic season for Luiz, and with Casemiro out of contention through injury there is a clear spot open for him to step in and make a case for himself ahead of the 2024 Copa America.
After finding himself out of the team under Steven Gerrard and potentially on the verge of an exit, he is now arguably the most important member of Emery’s squad and is the best Brazilian central midfielder in the Premier League.
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