It’s starting to feel like Aston Villa could finally end their long-running trophy drought this season.
Unai Emery’s side are just three points off Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, second in the Europa League, and into the next round of the FA Cup.
However, the Villans do have their problems, notably the number of injuries they’re currently dealing with, especially in the middle of the park.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery -1
Fortunately, it looks like Aston Villa are planning to reinforce that area of the team this month and are plotting a move for someone who could be their new Douglas Luiz.
Aston Villa target their new Luiz
Given their position in the league and chance of winning silverware this season, it’s not been a surprise to see how active Villa have been in the transfer market this month.
The Villans have recalled Leon Bailey, signed two youngsters in Brian Madjo and Alysson, and appear close to getting their hands on Tammy Abraham, while also being linked with Jean-Philippe Mateta.
However, the West Midlanders have also been linked with a host of midfield stars, from Conor Gallagher, who ended up joining Tottenham Hotspur, to Douglas Luiz.
Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz
The club are not giving up on that area of the team just yet, though, as they’re now closing in on someone who, coincidentally, is a lot like their former Brazilian midfielder.
At least that is according to a recent report from the Mail Online, which claims Aston Villa are very interested in Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
In fact, the report goes further than that, revealing that the Villans are still in talks with AC Milan over the midfielder.
The Italian giants would prefer a permanent move, whereas Villa are looking to sign him on a short-term loan with an option to buy.
loftus-cheek
It could therefore be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Loftus-Cheek’s ability and experience, it’s one Villa should be pushing for, especially as he could be their new Luiz.
Why Loftus-Cheek could be Villa's new Luiz
What was it that made Luiz such an important player for Villa during his time at the club?
Douglas Luiz celebrates for Aston Villa
Well, on the one hand, he was someone who could be relied upon to help out in defence when needed.
Yet, he was someone who was something of an attacking force for the side, be that as an extra player in build-up, or a player capable of scoring from distance.
Essentially, the Brazilian was the ideal all-action box-to-box midfielder.
The good news for Emery and Co is that Loftus-Cheek is a player who also fits this mould of a do-it-all midfielder.
ruben-loftus-cheek-ac-milan
You can see this in where he has been playing this season.
As so far, he has made 13 appearances in central midfield, six in attacking midfield and then two as a second striker.
Moreover, across his career to date, he has also made 47 appearances in defensive midfield, so he is a player that Emery could start anywhere in the midfield and feel confident he could do a job.
If you are still unconvinced about his ability to cover so many positions, you only need to look at some of his underlying metrics.
Loftus-Cheek FOTmob Report
Statistics
Touches in Opposition Box
Shots
Non-penalty xG
Aerial duels won
Expected goals
Duels won
Goals
All Stats via FOTmob
According to FOTmob, he ranks in the top 1.4% of midfielders in Serie A for touches in the opposition’s penalty area, the top 3.5% for shots, the top 4.2% for non-penalty expected goals and aerial duels won, the top 16.9% for all duels won, and more, all per 90.
Finally, just as Luiz proved himself in the Premier League during his time at Villa Park, the former Chelsea "monster," as dubbed by Thomas Tuchel, proved he was good enough to play in the competition during his time with the Blues, Crystal Palace and Fulham.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek Graphic
In other words, the club could rest assured that, were he to join this month, he’d be able to make an immediate impact.
Ultimately, Villa are having a great season this year, but they need midfield reinforcements, and therefore, they should sign Loftus-Cheek, especially as he could be their new Luiz.
Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace Related
After Abraham: Aston Villa working on deal to sign £70m Mateta upgrade
Aston Villa appear to have identified a new talisman they want to pursue before the window closes.