Juventus signed Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa in the summer
Juventus signed Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa in the summer
Douglas Luiz has struggled to make an impact at Juventus after leaving Aston Villa in the summer.
The Brazilian was sacrificed as Villa faced a big points deduction if they had failed to raise a certain amount of funds before the end of June due to PSR. But Luiz has endured a difficult start at Juve, starting only two league matches and missing their last seven in all competitions through injury.
Villa host the Italian giants in the Champions League on Wednesday night, but it is not yet clear if Luiz will be fit enough to make their travelling squad and return to Villa Park. Italian football expert Alasdair Mackenzie spoke on our podcast, Claret & Blue, about the midfielder's slow start in Turin.
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"It has been a complete disaster, really," Mackenzie said. "It’s a strange one because almost everybody expected him to be one of the signing of the summer. It was really eye-catching summer signing and probably their biggest deal.
"They paid a significant amount to get him and he felt like the kind of player they needed to add productivity from midfield. He has been a little unlucky to be honest, because those expectations haven’t helped.
"The reality is that he has spent some time out injured and when he has had his chances, he has failed to impress. He also gave away penalties in two consecutive games to really cement this feeling of people being underwhelmed by him.
"Now he is in a position where he is still going to find it difficult to work his way back in and convince Motta that he is the guy. Even this week I have seen that there have been reports about him possibly leaving in January.
"It’s crazy to think that this guy, the pin-up signing of the summer, there’s an even a reason to suggest that [him leaving]. It has been difficult for him to say the least so far in Turin.
"Also, while he has been out injured, Motta has finally decided on his midfield. When he does get fit again, he is going to have to battle his way back into the team. Maybe that’s what he needs."
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