Aston Villa: Douglas Luiz stuns yet again as Alan Smith lauds moment of ‘perfection’ v Luton
Douglas Luiz was a standout performer for Aston Villa yet again in the 3-2 win against Luton at Kenilworth Road, particularly his involvement in a moment of “perfection”.
The Brazilian picked up his fifth Premier League assist of the season with a quick free-kick clipped over the top for Ollie Watkins to put Unai Emery’s side two goals up heading into half-time.
While plenty of praise fell to Watkins for his eventual finish, it was Luiz’s quick thinking that set up the chance, and a brilliantly-times run from the striker saw the duo combine again.
Speaking live on Sky Sports [2 March], Alan Smith gushed over the second Villa goal as he shared: “They [Luiz and Watkins] have got a great understanding. Villa were just thinking quicker than Luton.
“Look at Douglas Luiz, he knows where he wants to hit it. Watkins times his run to perfection, his first touch is perfect and the second is even better.”
Douglas Luiz shines in another impressive Aston Villa win
This season has been a standout for Luiz, who has stamped his authority on this Aston Villa team, racking up nine goals and five assists in the league this season, and drawing high praise as a result.
Against Luton, his assist proved vital in giving his side an extended lead, but with a 90 per cent pass completion rate, including three of five long passes completed, his quality in possession must not go unnoticed. [Sofascore]
Particularly when compared to fellow midfielders John McGinn and Youri Tielemans, who completed 89% and 69% of their passes respectively, it becomes clear how vital a role the Brazilian plays in this side.
While his display at Kenilworth Road may not have reached the heights of some of his other performances this season, with a 0 per cent aerial duel win rate rising to 50 per cent in ground duels as Luton packed the midfield, he still managed to play a key role.
Giving possession away just six times in 90 minutes is impressive given the intensity of their opponent’s game while drawing two fouls allowed him to ease the pressure being piled on.
Luiz’s assist came from a 0.02 xA pass, in a display of how good the ball over the top was not only in terms of his quick thinking but the accuracy, timing and delivery of the ball through.
It was Watkins who was the standout performer on the day with his two goals, but the role of Luiz both in this win and Villa’s season cannot be understated.
In other Aston Villa news, one Villa star is now considered among the best in the league.
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