According to a recent report by the Manchester Evening News, Premier League champions Manchester City signed Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz from Vasco Da Gama in the summer of 2017, with a view of him potentially replacing Fernandinho in the City squad. But two years down the line, the 21-year-old can be seen plying his trade at Premier League outfit Aston Villa.
It has been suggested in the report that Pep Guardiola had Luiz in his plans for the 2018/19 season, especially considering that Fernandinho was the only option in that defensive midfield position. Although the Brazilian had enough quality to catch Pep Guardiola’s eye, he wasn’t able to secure a place in the side because of some issues with his work permit.
What about Douglas Luiz caught Guardiola’s eye?
Initially identified as a potential superstar by Pep Guardiola, Douglas Luiz was a product of the Vasco Da Gama academy in Brazil. Destined for greatness from a young age, the midfield destroyer’s skill-set is exceptionally well-suited to the Premier League. He had been operating out of the anchor role for Vasco Da Gama as well, making him an ideal target for City. Luiz uses his physicality to great effect in the middle of the park and has the ability to develop into an extremely balanced midfielder.
His hardworking nature and genuine composure on the football pitch make him an excellent option for any team that likes to press the opposition in their own half. Despite still being only 21, the youngster has an excellent attitude towards his teammates and would never be seen getting into any unnecessary arguments.
What Brought Douglas Luiz to England?
In a world where midfielders of his kind are only available at a premium, the fact that a manager like Guardiola recognised him as a potential replacement for Fernandinho, is a massive compliment on its own. Despite being signed as a teenager, there were enormous expectations placed on his head, as soon he joined City.
A couple of years down the line, although Guardiola had the Brazilian in his agenda for the season, he wasn’t able to play the midfielder due to work permit issues. The two years he spent at City’s sister club – Girona, helped him develop further, only to be then sold to Aston Villa. The fact that his sale to a smaller club was down to permit issues, rather than a lack of quality, could come as an excellent motivator for the Brazilian to prove himself in the Premier League.
Have City Missed Out On A Future Superstar?
Going by the few months he’s been at Villa so far; Pep Guardiola will be ruing the fact that Luiz is now an Aston Villa player. He’s settled into life in the Premier League quite well and has been involved in 8 of their league games so far this season. He’s even stepped up to the plate when it mattered most and scored two goals for the Villans – something that even Fernandinho hasn’t managed so far this term.
