‘Amazing’ Douglas Luiz bossed Sheffield United in 94% display for Aston Villa
Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz bossed the game against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, despite playing just 45 minutes, drawing high praise from former Villa man Micah Richards.
The Brazilian midfielder departed the game with an assist to his name and a beautiful one at that. Richards described it as “amazing” as he curled the ball around the covering defender with the outside of his boot to assist Ollie Watkins.
Luiz showed once more why he has earned such high praise so far this season as he can control and dictate a game from his deeper role while still chipping in with passes going forward.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast [5 February], Gary Lineker began: “Douglas Luiz is a player as well, isn’t he?” As Richards responded: “Oh, what about his pass for the goal? Oh, it was amazing.”
Douglas Luiz is a superstar at Villa Park
The assist was one of the best passes you’ll ever see to assist Watkins for Villa’s second goal, playing the ball with the outside of his foot to split the defence and send the forward through on goal – a chance he took in his typically clinical style this season.
Aside from the assist, though, Luiz was fantastic. A 94 per cent passing accuracy in midfield showed how he was able to control and dictate the pace of the game despite Sheffield United’s attempts to close him down, with a 100 per cent long-ball accuracy a display of his range. [Sofascore]
Going forward, he was equally as efficient, with 50 per cent crossing accuracy and 100 per cent shot accuracy. This was matched with a massive four key passes and two big chances created as he caused all sorts of issues from midfield.
Lastly, just to affirm his midfield dominance, it wasn’t just the attacking and passing stats that shone. Two tackles were made to prevent any threat on the counter, with a 50 per cent duel ratio in the first half.
All of that came in just 45 minutes of football at Bramall Lane as he was taken off to ensure his fitness remains high for the busy fixture schedule ahead, with an FA Cup replay against Chelsea the next on their list.
In other Aston Villa news, a 100 per cent star was also flying against Sheffield United.
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