Liverpool wants Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz to solve their defensive midfield problem under Arne Slot during the summer window
Aston Villa defensive midfielder Douglas Luiz is a summer transfer target for Liverpool under the new head coach Arne Slot. The Brazilian played a pivotal role for the Villans last season as they qualified for the next season’s Champions League.
Villa outperformed high-spending clubs like Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to finish fourth in the Premier League last season. Luis played a key role as the first-team regular under Unai Emery, showcasing his all-round abilities in the Villa’s midfield.
The Brazilian joined competitive rivals Manchester City in 2017 when he left his youth club Vasco da Gama and changed the continent. Even though Man City failed to extract the best out of him while prioritizing the signing of established world-class players, Luiz thrived in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old has just entered the peak years of his career and has much to achieve. Standing at 1.77 metres, Luiz is not an imposing figure but his immense stamina, determination and work rate are essential.
The Brazil international can cover vast distances quickly with good pace and turn, helping him make recoveries and important tackles. Luiz plays in the system that allows him to venture forward and act as an additional attacking threat for Villa.
The 26-year-old’s main strength is with the ball when dictating the tempo through passing and making progressive runs. Luiz has the upper body strength, close control and dribbling skills to shield the ball and operate in tight spaces.
The Brazil international made 53 appearances in all competitions for Villa, contributing with 10 goals and 10 assists last season. His productivity showcases the level of freedom he has enjoyed in Emery’s system in both the defensive and offensive phases.
According to Italian publication Tuttojuve, Luis is a transfer target for Liverpool as they seek to bolster the defensive midfield. The Reds mostly played Alexis Mac Allister in the number six role but his best contribution comes in advanced areas.
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Wataru Endo has enjoyed a good season with Liverpool but he has also struggled with the pace of the league. While Luiz is a fantastic player, Liverpool already have plenty of options in his mould with Trent Alexander-Arnold also transitioning into the midfield role. The Reds need a defensive midfielder who is good on the ball but provides more effective cover to their defence which is the priority.
