Douglas Luiz lets down Aston Villa fans v Crystal Palace, Robin Olsen left ‘screaming’
Douglas Luiz must own up to his individual failures as Aston Villa were hammered 5-0 by Crystal Palace on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday (19 May).
Although John McGinn is normally the captain at Villa Park, Luiz has a very important leadership role as one of the more experienced players in the group.
However, the Brazilian should feel as though he failed his fellow teammates as Villa were condemned to one of their worst defeats of the season at Selhurst Park.
Of course, it was an entire team display that caused the result and not just a single player, but the 26-year-old must put his hands up and own his poor performance as a way of apology to the Villa fans.
Taking to X on Sunday (19 May), Jacob Tanswell revealed that it was not just the fans who were frustrated by the display, writing: “Olsen is screaming at Douglas Luiz for not closing down Olise after his effort goes wide.
“Olise has put in the best individual performance of any player against Aston Villa this season, but this is so poor and open from Villa.”
Douglas Luiz disappoints as Aston Villa thrashed by Crystal Palace
Luiz’s performances have noticeably dropped in recent weeks despite Villa targeting a spot in the Champions League and failing to advance in the Europa Conference League.
The trip to London was no different as the Brazilian midfielder struggled against Oliver Glasner’s set-up in the middle of the park, even picking up a yellow card for a strong challenge on Michael Olise.
Despite maintaining a 94 per cent pass completion, creating two chances and one big chance, Luiz lacked in the defensive areas, which certainly did not help the eventual scoreline. [FotMob]
He won zero per cent of his tackles, and 25 per cent of his ground duels (1/4), but was unable to enter any aerial battles. His one foul, the one on Olise, was checked by VAR for a red card but, luckily, Villa kept all 11 players.
Fans will certainly be hoping that Luiz rediscovers his best form ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, especially after Unai Emery pushed Villa to Champions League qualification.
Ranking in the top 90 percentile for non-penalty goals, the top 83 percentile for assists, and the top 85 percentile for shot-creating actions, there are no doubts over his abilities. [FBref]
Once Boubacar Kamara returns from injury, Luiz’s attacking prowess will be able to be unleashed once again, as Villa’s defensive capabilities have been somewhat hindered since injuries have hit.
In other Aston Villa news, one player linked with a switch to FC Barcelona would be happy to join Emery’s side instead.
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