Massimo Mauro has criticised Douglas Luiz over his performances for Juventus, arguing that the midfielder plays too safely and does not take enough risks to make a significant difference. His comments raise further questions about whether the Brazilian can become a reliable figure in the Bianconeri midfield.
Luiz is working to rebuild his confidence after two turbulent seasons since joining Juventus. Spending time at two different clubs last season did little to help him establish consistency, and he has yet to reproduce the form that made him such an influential player in England.
The midfielder was among the standout performers in Europe during his time at Aston Villa. His displays convinced Juventus to invest heavily in bringing him to Turin, with the club hoping he could strengthen their midfield and provide greater quality in possession.
Luiz has struggled to rediscover his best form
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Juventus have continued to use Luiz this season following his return, giving him opportunities to establish himself and demonstrate his value to the team. The player is determined to build his reputation at the club, but his performances have not yet shown the level of improvement supporters would have hoped to see.
He has so far struggled to reach the standards he achieved in the Premier League. While he is still attempting to regain his confidence, concerns remain over whether he can provide the creativity and influence Juventus need in midfield.
Mauro is particularly concerned about Luiz’s reluctance to attempt ambitious passes. Rather than taking risks to break defensive lines, the midfielder is seen as favouring safer options that do little to unsettle well organised opponents.
(Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Mauro questions Juventus’ midfield creativity
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Speaking via [Calciomercato](https://www.calciomercato.com/liste/massimo-mauro-juventus-douglas-luiz-e-un-giocatore-scolastico-che-non-rischia-mai-fa-passaggi-a-un-metro/blt1fd859f725931128#cs76b60163c3d79008), Mauro criticised the general lack of quality and attacking ideas in the advanced midfield areas, using Luiz as an example of the problem.
“The lack of quality players in the attacking midfield, which, in general, is modest in both: neither in Amorim’s team nor in Spalletti’s is there ever any idea of a deep pass. Douglas Luiz, for example, is a classic player, who never takes risks, makes passes a yard away, and against closed teams he can’t invent anything.”
The criticism highlights Mauro’s belief that Juventus need more creativity to unlock opponents who defend deep. Safe passing can help a team retain possession, but it may not be enough when the opposition leaves little space to exploit.
For Luiz, the challenge is to show that he can offer more than cautious distribution. If he wants to establish himself as a dependable option for Juventus, he will need to demonstrate greater initiative and rediscover the qualities that made him such an attractive signing.