Douglas Luiz of Juventus
Douglas Luiz hasn't enjoyed the best start to life at Juventus
Aston Villa's president of football operations Monchi has admitted he would jump at the chance to re-sign former midfielder Douglas Luiz, whether it be at Villa or any club in the future.
In an interview with Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport , Monchi discussed the Brazilian midfielder's qualities and his struggle to adapt to life at new club Juventus, who Villa play in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
The 26-year-old has not been named in the Old Lady's squad to face Unai Emery's side due to injury and has only appeared nine times for the Turin club since joining, not yet registering a single goal or assist.
Related Articles
'Aston Villa are predictable - you know how they are going to play'
Aston Villa 'mistakes', Luiz transfer, injuries - Every word Unai Emery said in Juventus press conference
"He’s playing less than we all expected, but we’re talking about a strong player," Monchi told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"There are guys who arrive and impose themselves, others who need time. Patience is needed, but Douglas’ qualities are beyond discussion. He will become important for Juve. He’s a playmaker and every ball that comes out of his feet has a meaning: last year he played 90% of the games with us. He was decisive.”
Villa's decision to sell Luiz was one that was forced by the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), with it widely judged the he was the best player to sell of the Lions' high-value assets (Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martinez etc.).
The sale allowed Monchi and his colleagues to invest elsewhere without having to stress about breaking PSR as they bolstered the midfield with the likes of record signing Amadou Onana joining the ranks.
"After his farewell, we invested and in midfield we are well placed with Tielemans, Onana, Kamara, Barkley… But I would always take Douglas back, from any club: he is very strong."
Monchi also revealed to the Italian website that he has lent Watkins a hand prior to the Villa Park clash with the Italian giants on Wednesday evening.
""He has quality, he scores goals and he has a great desire to improve to become a top player. I gave Watkins some advice on how to face Italian defenses like Juve's, but don't ask me to reveal it..."
The England international will hoping to open his Champions League account against Thiago Motta's side who are currently unbeaten in Serie A despite only sitting in sixth place, drawing seven of their 13 games so far this season.
Read More
Juventus coach Thiago Motta reveals Unai Emery's 'great bluff' and Aston Villa stance
Would you take Douglas Luiz back at Villa Park? Tell us here